News from the Oberliga Niederrhein: ETB Schwarz-Weiß Essen promote a talented player, while Baumberg lose a midfielder.

Issa Allouche has made the leap from ETB Schwarz-Weiß Essen’s U19s to the first team. The 19-year-old center forward will therefore play in the Oberliga Niederrhein in future.

“I’m really pleased to be joining the first team. The environment at ETB is just right and I feel very comfortable here. I know our Oberliga team very well, as I was involved in pre-season preparations and training camps last year. I also trained with them from time to time,” said Allouche.

He continued: “I’ve just come back from a serious injury, as I broke my ankle. I’m very grateful that the club and the people in charge always stood behind me during my injury and backed me up. I’m hoping for playing time in the new season and want to develop further. I’m an ambitious player and want to assert myself at ETB. But I have to remain patient. My wish for our team is that we can play at the top and celebrate success.”

ETB team manager Fatih Özbayrak also pointed out Allouche’s injury, but was optimistic about the future. “He gives his all in training and his ambition is clear to see. I’m excited about his development and believe that he will bring us joy over time.”

Union Nettetal helps itself to champion Baumberg

Leonard Bajraktari should also bring joy – to Union Nettetal. They have signed the center forward from Sportfreunde Baumberg.

“Leonard contacted us and was looking for a new challenge. We then had good talks and have the impression that he wants to take the opportunity with us. Despite his young age, he has already played almost 100 Oberliga games and comes from the local area. He therefore fits our profile and will offer us further options in attack,” said Nettetal coach Andreas Schwan.

Bajraktari was trained in the youth departments of Fortuna Düsseldorf and Wuppertaler SV, among others. “I’ve been in contact with Andreas for a very long time, since my last youth year at Wuppertal U19. I firmly believe that both Nettetal and Andi are the right place for me to develop personally. It wasn’t difficult for me to make the switch because I played with some of the team at youth level. I’m looking forward to the new season and the new challenge,” commented the 22-year-old, who scored three goals in 28 Oberliga games in 2023/24, on his transfer.