German Bundesliga outfit FC Augsburg coach Joseph Thorup has showered Mamelodi Sundowns sporting director Flemming Berg with praise, saying South Africa is lucky to have him.
Thorup was speaking to the media in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, where Augsburg is based for their pre-season tour in SA. They are currently participating in the Mpumalanga Premiers International Cup that will conclude on Saturday against TS Galaxy.
In the course of the recent dramatic fallout between Berg and Rulani Mokwena, Thorup backed his Denish compatriot. He said he is a great human being who has prominent football knowledge. Mokwena is now the new Wydad Athletic Club head coach after being shown the door.
“I actually know Flemming very well. [Because] I worked with him at a time when I was U-21 national team coach. He worked in the Denish Federation at that time, so we had a close connection,” Thorup said.
“He is not only a great guy, but he is a clever person when it comes to football. [Flemming] is strong in developing clubs and players.
“So, I think it’s a great opportunity for South Africa to have a guy like this joining a club here. And as far as I can see, he is doing a great job.”
Thorup says he has been following Berg throughout his career and stint at Sundowns. And he congratulated him for helping lead the reigning Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions to the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup next year.
“I have followed him, Flemming is one of the exciting guys to follow. Especially when they decide to go to another side of the world to see if they can excel.
“He did a great job in Denmark. That is why he got a chance to go on with development elsewhere.
“So, congratulations to him for helping Sundowns end up in the position they did last year. Next year he’s going to also play in another competition [Fifa Club World Cup], so great for them,” he added.
