Bernd Bransch, the former captain of the GDR national soccer team, has died. The 77-yr-aged passed away on Saturday after a long sickness, according to his extensive-time group Hallescher FC.

Bransch was a 72-time member of the countrywide workforce, successful the 1976 Olympic gold medal and placing third in the 1972 Olympics. Bransch captained the GDR group in the Federal Republic’s a person and only Planet Cup visual appearance in 1974.

Bransch is the third notable East German footballer to go away this yr, subsequent Hans-Jürgen Dörner and Joachim Streich.

“I’d like to increase our profound sympathies to Bernd Bransch’s loved ones on behalf of all members, existing players, fans, sponsors, staff members, and committee associates. It is up to us all to regard the recollections of our honorary member, 1 of the club’s most outstanding figures and the city of Halle’s most critical ambassador, and to carry on his legacy “Jens Rauschenbach, President of the HFC, said.

Bransch appeared in almost 300 game titles for SC Chemie Halle and Hallescher FC Chemie. He was named “GDR Footballer of the Year” in 1968 and 1974.

Following Halle’s relegation in 1973, Bransch, who had been transformed from a striker to a libero, joined FC Carl Zeiss Jena, with whom he gained the cup the pursuing time, his lone club championship. He returned to the newly promoted HFC for the 1974/75 season. In the GDR Oberliga, he scored 43 ambitions for his clubs.

Bransch became an formal immediately after retiring in 1977. Right after reunification, he guided the HFC into the 2nd Bundesliga for a quick even though as president. At the age of 70, he was still a member of the club’s board of directors. (dpa)