South African Midfielder Jaymen Mangena Joins 1.SC Feucht for the 2024-25 Season

Just a couple of weeks ago, representatives of 1.SC Feucht confirmed the transfer of Jaymen Mangena, a talented attacking midfielder from South Africa, to their squad for the 2024-25 season. At 19 years old, Mangena brings his dynamic style and international experience to the club. Jaymen makes a strong step moving forward as he starts his second year in Germany with IFX in Nürnberg as part of the Pro Year Germany program, where he has been showcasing his commitment and talent in order to keep advancing his football career in Europe.

From Pretoria to Germany

Born in 2005, in Centurion, Jaymen Mangena’s soccer journey began at the University of Pretoria. He grew up in a boarding sports academy, playing in South Africa's first league, which laid a strong foundation for his skills and understanding of the game. Mangena's first contact with IFX was during the summer of 2022 when he took part in our Youth Summer Camp in Bayern, which sparked interest from our recruiters. He was offered a spot on the U19 team of our partner club in Germany, SG Quelle - Fürth, and he returned in January 2023 to join Dambachers. His first year in Nürnberg was a period of significant growth, both on and off the field, leading to his current transfer to 1.SC Feucht men’s team for the upcoming season. The Pro Year program has been instrumental in offering young talents like Mangena the chance to enhance their football careers while experiencing new cultures.

Integration into 1.SC Feucht

Since his arrival, Jaymen Mangena has seamlessly integrated into 1.SC Feucht’s training sessions and friendly matches. Despite his primary position as an attacking midfielder, Mangena has displayed versatility and adaptability, earning praise from his new coach Patrick Lehmeier and teammates. 1.SC Feucht, competing in the demanding Landesliga, has high hopes for Mangena’s contributions this season.

Adapting to German Football

Transitioning from South African football to the faster-paced German game has been a significant adjustment for Mangena. He notes the increased speed and intensity, which have pushed him to elevate his performance. His previous year with the U19 of SG Quelle provided valuable insights and prepared him well for the challenges ahead with 1.SC Feucht.

The Impact of IFX on Mangena’s Development

The IFX program has been a cornerstone of Jaymen’s journey, offering not only the opportunity to play with competitive teams but also continuous support for his development. He credits IFX Soccer with helping him improve significantly and secure this opportunity with 1.SC Feucht. On the other hand, Jaymen has made huge progress in learning the German language taking classes at our partner language institute as well as living in Nürnberg Old Stadt with other IFX’s participants as part of cultural immersion, one of the pillars of our soccer programs abroad.

Aspirations for the Future

Jaymen’s goals for the upcoming season are ambitious yet grounded. He aims to continue improving his skills, climb higher in the German football leagues, and ultimately reach his full potential. His experiences in Germany have reinforced his belief that playing abroad is invaluable for aspiring professionals. When asked if he would recommend this path to other young players, his answer is unequivocal: “Yes.” The exposure to different playing styles and the cultural experiences have been instrumental in his growth.

Looking Forward

1.SC Feucht and IFX Soccer are eager to see Jaymen Mangena thrive in this new chapter of his football journey. His talent, dedication, and adaptability make him a promising addition to the Feuchters squad for the 2024-25 season. We are confident that Jaymen will make a significant impact both on and off the pitch. We have renewed our commitment to support his stay and aspirations in Germany, as the education and soccer agency that he and his family trusted.