Good performances are rewarded! The Regionalliga West is also watched internationally. This personnel change proves it.

“Congratulations, Malek! In November, our MSV striker Malek Fakhro will be traveling abroad for international matches for the first time: Fakhro will play with the Lebanese national team in away games against Thailand on November 14 and Myanmar on November 19,” MSV Duisburg announced on its social media channels on Friday evening (November 1).

Fakhro recently scored for MSV against his former club 1. FC Bocholt, contributing to the 4-2 victory at Hünting. As a result, Duisburg is back at the top of the Regionalliga West table after 13 match days.

Now, the striker, who has scored three goals so far this season and 15 in the previous season, has received a very personal honor. Forecasting asked Fakhro how he felt after the national team invitation was announced.

Fakhro said: “Of course, I am very, very proud to have been nominated for my home country’s national team and to be part of this team. Obviously, the situation in Lebanon is very difficult at the moment. Nevertheless, I am delighted about the nomination and naturally want to do my part to help the people of Lebanon feel happier again for a moment thanks to positive results from the national team. I want to recommend myself for further international call-ups and return to Duisburg in good health.”

Fakhro, 26, was born in Essen and has lived in the Ruhr metropolis since birth. ”I already speak the language very well. Nevertheless, I think it will be a bit different and the guys will probably say that it’s Malek from Germany (laughs). But I hope I’ll be well received and then I want to earn the respect I need in the squad with good performances.”

On November 11, Fakhro will fly from Düsseldorf via Dubai to Bangkok. Fakhro says: “Everything is really well organized. I’ve already received confirmation of my flights. After the Thailand game in Bangkok, we’ll fly on with the team to Myanmar for the test. From there, I’ll fly back to Düsseldorf via Bangkok and Dubai on November 20.”