Two Sonsbeck Players Compete in Baller League
The launch of the fourth season of the Baller League has experienced another delay. Consequently, Jan Fauseweh and Marco de Stefano from SV Sonsbeck must continue to wait before stepping into the limelight of this exciting indoor football format initiated by two World Cup champions. Fauseweh mentioned that the move from Berlin to Cologne hasn’t gone as smoothly as anticipated, pushing the kick-off back from January. The games are now set to take place at XPost, a renovated event venue located in a former post office center.
Delayed Start for Baller League Season
While the exact start date remains uncertain, Fauseweh expects the season to kick off in February. He noted that the venue is nearly complete. “An opening could have happened without fans, but nobody wants that,” he stated, expressing his excitement to play for FC Nitro in his fourth season. Fauseweh is motivated to help his team reach the Final Four.
Marco de Stefano’s Journey
In contrast, Marco de Stefano enters this league with different expectations. This will be his first season in Germany’s largest indoor football league. His path to the league was a bit more complicated. De Stefano applied online and was invited to a trial at the DFB-Campus in Frankfurt, where he showcased his talent for selection.
- De Stefano was selected from a pool of 318 candidates.
- His team, 318 United, is led by coach Änis Ben-Hatira, a former professional player.
De Stefano expressed enthusiasm about joining a strong team, mentioning connections with fellow players such as Mohamed Yassin, with whom he previously played in Velbert. “I want to establish myself with my new team and bring some surprises,” he said, emphasizing that enjoyment is his primary motivation. “I play football out of passion, and the Baller League offers something truly special.”
Support from SV Sonsbeck
De Stefano is grateful for the support he received from SV Sonsbeck. Despite the risks associated with potential injuries, the club allowed him to pursue this opportunity. He stated, “When I was accepted, I immediately sought a conversation with the club. Coach Heinrich Losing and the head of the football department, Heiner Gesthüsen, showed understanding and support.”
While he is excited about the Baller League, De Stefano maintains that his commitment to SV Sonsbeck remains paramount. Both Fauseweh and De Stefano will represent their clubs on Mondays, ensuring no overlap with their training in Sonsbeck. Their teams will compete in a format where every game counts, resulting in an eventual showdown between the two Sonsbeck players.
Notable Figures in the Baller League
The new season will not only feature these talents but also some prominent ex-professionals on the sidelines. Notable trainers include:
- Patrick Helmes (Gönrgy Allstars)
- Kevin Großkreutz (Legacy Ballers)
- Julian Schieber (Streets United)
Team managers include notable football stars such as Lukas Podolski (Streets United), Max Kruse (Hollywood United), and Marco Reus (Legacy Ballers). Fauseweh highlighted the value of networking with these stars, having engaged in conversations with figures like Podolski, Kruse, and Kevin-Prince Boateng.
Overall, the upcoming Baller League season promises to offer exciting matchups and memorable experiences for players and fans alike, with Sonsbeck’s Jan Fauseweh and Marco de Stefano poised to make their marks in this dynamic tournament.
