Ex-footballers come to Nam

GLOBAL United Football Club is a football project that consists of more than 180 of the world’s most famous former players and coaches.
Its mission is to fight global warming by playing exhibition football matches at various worldwide locations affected by climate change.

According to the founding member of the club, Lutz Pfannenstiel, he plans to stage a match in Windhoek on May 26 where former top international football stars will make their presence.He said the former players from various countries are expected to play against defending champions African Stars and several former legends of the Brave Warriors in a one-off match which will take place at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.He said former international greats such as Aldair from Brazil, Sunday Oliseh from Nigeria, Elber from Brazil, Tore Andre-Flo from Norway and Guido Buchwald from Germany are expected to be in action.He said retired Namibian players such as Amos Shiyuka, current Brave Warriors coach Tom Saintfiet and others will play for the local side. Tickets will cost N$10 and there will also be a live concert.He said there are also other several foreign players who might come to Windhoek, but are still to confirm.Pfannenstiel said Global United FC currently has 183 of the world’s most famous former players and coaches and the figure is growing.The players are from countries in Africa, Europe North America, South America as well as Asia and Oceania.The club has already played matches in some major cities and these include Germany, where they played in and indoor tournament in Riesa on January 2 this year, while they also played another similar tournament in Zwickau, also in the same country on January 9.They are expected to play in Cairo, Egypt in April, before coming to Namibia, where after they will go to South Africa to play in Johannesburg on May 28.They are also planning matches in Kenya and Tanzania later in the year.PURPOSE According to Pfannenstiel, Global United will fight global warming in two ways.They will use the global popularity of football and its most recognisable players to raise awareness on the alarming issue of global warming; and secondly by donating the matches’ proceeds to support organisations and research institutions dedicated to fighting against global warming. ‘Global United FC will keep emissions from its activities (travel and accommodation) at a minimum. All remaining emissions are offset with carbon credits from First Climate and the Climate Neutral Group. A large part of Global United FC’s revenue will be used to financially support projects fighting global warming.’Projects supported include worldwide water projects with a special focus in Nepal and Ethiopia, where water shortages are already affecting thousands of people. Pfannenstiel is a 36-year-old goalkeeper and football coach whose career has taken him around the world. He holds the record as the only professional to play for football clubs in each of the six Fifa continental confederations.