http://allafrica.com/stories/200801280948.html "Zimbabwe international striker Joseph Ngwenya appears to have taken the first steps leading to a dream move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich -- one of the biggest football clubs in the world. The 26-year-old forward joined Austrian Bundesliga newboys SK Austria Kantern last week -- leaving the circus of the Major League Soccer in the United States for the tough world of European football." Funny article.
I would personally say that MLS is now a bigger league than the Austrian Bundesliga, except for salary. Sounds like his team could go down, so from top of the MLS to the 2nd level of an obscure country doesn't seem like a top career move unless he does enough to attract scouts from better leagues, and it doesn't always happen like that...
I like the circus. and good luck to Ngwenya on his steps toward that "dream move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich."
I would say they are about the same. Another Dynamo player, Nate Jaqua, will also sign in Austria today with SCR Altach (according to the latest reports.) For those interested, the current T-Mobile Bundesliga budgets: Red Bull Salzburg - USD 51.5 million FK Austria Wien - USD 22 million SK Rapid Wien - USD 16.2 million LASK Linz - USD 10.6 million SV Mattersburg - USD 9.6 million SK Sturm Graz - USD 8.8 million SK Austria Kärnten - USD 8.8 million FC Wacker Innsbruck - USD 7.7 million SV Ried - USD 6.8 million SCR Altach - USD 6.6 million Source: sport1.at
Yeah, Austria is a real, traditional football powerhouse. They named a team after an energy drink even before we did. Being in Europe has its perks, I guess. Just ask Israel.
This is not a good move for Ngwenya. I wish him the best of luck but the only positive I can see out of this is he'll probably make more money. If Klinsmann wants to bring him to Bayern Munich then he will. The level of play is higher in the MLS than it is in the Austrian podunk league so his skills will be tested more here. Hmmm. I just don't see how this move could increase his chances of being brought in by Klinsmann. Other than the money, I don't see how going to a podunk league in foreign lands is a good professional move for any MLS player.
If the Austrian league is weaker than MLS, Ngwenya and Jaqua should score goals by the bucketload. How does that not attract attention?
I too think they will perform better there. It was a big dis-appointment for us Dynamo fans to see them sign(leave MLS). We had hoped for more from them this season. I can't say that I blame them for wanting more money and better opportunity to play with the Big Boys in Euro-Land. How lucky for both of them to have been picked up last season from obscurity and have them start scoring goals. Ironic, I'd say!! Best of luck to both of them.
Regarding this article, isn't the writer the guy who always sends me emails about sending in my banking information so that I can recieve my millions from his deceased brother who was the prince of South Africa's lower province? If so, he is highly credible, and worthy to call MLS a circus, and the second division of Austria prominent. Next.
Just a quick note: This guy's success in Austria will hardly mean that it is a stronger league than MLS. Remember Ngwenya came off the bench for Houston. He was a good player, but it's not like his name is Cristiano. I do like his chances at Bayern through Jurgen Klinsmann. He has his eyes on lots of talent in MLS, and a successful move into Munich will be a great sign of MLS's strength, not weakness.
Yeah the real circus is the domestic soccer leagues of Africa. That writer has no clue. On the other hand it is sad that MLS is losing talented players like Noonan, Ngwenya, Jaqua etc. to lower table teams in third tier European leagues. I don't mind when players go to the Premiership or Holland but this...............
Looks like a good move for Joe. Sorry for the loss to MLS and Dynamo. The Austrian league, whether it is as good as MLS or not, doesn't seem to be the issue; It looks like it next door to Germany. Never trust a German living in LA- he might be spying out your talent to bring back to Muchen.
No he didn't. He played in 25 MLS matches for Houston and he started all 25 of them. (For that matter, he played in 5 matches with the Crew, and he started all of them as well).
I wish MLS had a higher slary cap. Loosing Ngwenya is Bad. But loosing Jaqua on top of that is WORSE. Man this is sad news.
I did my homework, only to find you are completely right, and I stand corrected. Apologies. He is a fine player, but I can't imagine the Austrian League will be a jump up. Sure, if he goes to Bayern after some months, than he would have some nice opportunities there, but that is yet to be seen. Good luck Joe!