VfL Wolfsburg will travel to the capital for their first competitive match of the 2023/24 season. And specifically to TuS Makkabi Berlin – a Jewish club that have made history.
“Forever in the annals”
On 3 June, the fifth-tier side won 3-1 in the Berlin state cup final against Sparta Lichtenberg to qualify for the first round of the DFB Cup, something never before achieved by a Jewish club. It’s a “milestone in the club’s history” which “will remain in the annals of TuS Makkabi forever and serve as an inspiration”, according to the Berlin club’s website.
Whisky and cola a sign of success
Wolfgang Sandhowe, who has been in charge of the team since 1 July 2019, is an old-school coach. “Normally I don’t let anyone drink alcohol,” the 69-year-old told rbb24. “But before the final I said to the team: ‘We’ve worked hard all season long, you should be rewarded. After the game we’ll have a proper booze-up.’” He himself only drinks occasionally, but when he does it’s a whisky and cola. The fact there was whisky and cola on that night tells a thousand words.
