DEVELOPMENT will be the main beneficiary of the partnership between the local professional soccer league and German Bundesliga.

DEVELOPMENT will be the main beneficiary of the partnership between the local professional soccer league and German Bundesliga.

The deal was signed in Johannesburg on Monday by Premier Soccer League chief executive Kjetil Siem and Bundesliga board member Tom Bender.

"The Germans have a great development programme in Europe and that is why their national teams are among the giants of global football," Siem said.

"We need to look into boosting our development structures. We are happy that the Germans have agreed to work with us in development, commercially and in administration."

Bender said they were convinced both sides would profit from their partnership. The cooperative agreement between the two leagues will explore aspects including drawing up of fixtures, youth performance centres and club licensing.