Manfred Schaefer 1943 – 2023

Biography

Manfred Schaefer was born on February 12, 1943, in Baltiysk, beginning a life that would span eight decades and take him across continents. His early years in this Baltic port city shaped his formative experiences before his path led him to Australia, where he would build a new life and leave his mark on the sporting community.

Manfred became known for his contributions to Australian soccer, dedicating himself to the sport during a transformative period in the nation’s athletic development. His involvement in soccer reflected both his passion for the game and his commitment to the communities he served throughout his time in Australia.

On March 28, 2023, Manfred passed away in Sydney at the age of eighty, leaving behind a legacy connected to the sport he loved. Those who knew him remembered a man whose journey from Baltiysk to Australia embodied the spirit of dedication and perseverance, and whose influence on Australian soccer endured through the relationships and memories he created.