Beckenbauer has close links with the Bavarian city having made nearly 500 appearances for Bayern Munich in a 13-year career between 1964 and 1977 that saw him win three European Cups, the Bundesliga title on four occasions and the German Cup four times.

In addition, he skippered Germany to World Cup victory in 1974 and then coached the team to another success at Italy in 1990.

Then, uniquely, he organised the 2006 World Cup in Germany, a tournament widely considered to be the best of all time.

His backing here is a signifcant boost to Munich's bid and - they hope - perhaps a good omen for the vote on Wednesday (July 6), where they will face rivals Annecy and Pyeongchang. 

David Beckham was an important part of London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics while Pele was a high-profile supporter of Rio's campaign when they were awarded the 2016 Games.

"Franz Beckenbauer is supporting us," said Witt.

"He has been involved from the very start as part of the Board of Trustees, which I lead.

"We are very happy that he is here to support us."

Munich will also be hoping that Beckenbauer can help persuade at least two International Olympic Committee (IOC) members vote for them.

Sepp Blatter, the FIFA President, is a close personal friend of Beckenbauer.

Cameroon's Issa Hayatou, another member of the IOC, was a colleague of the German on the FIFA's ruling Executive Committee, which Beckenbauer officially stood down from last month.

Witt, the former double Olympic skating champion, hopes that the surprise appearance of Beckenbauer will help maintain Munich's momentum which has been gathering pace in recent weeks.


"Munich has the momentum, we are riding on a wave," said Witt in the overcrowded press conference room in the North Beach Hotel Durban where she appeared alongside Verena Bentele, the 12-time Paralympic champion who is one of Munich's ambassadors.

"Germany staged a successful World Cup in 2006 thanks to him.

"Now it's the first time he sniffs Olympic atmosphere."

Beckenbauer left for South Africa full of optimism.

"The unique flair of Munich, the Bavarian charm, nature and the beauty of our mountains, the warmth of the people and the enthusiasm for winter sports, we want 2018 to share with the Olympic family," he said.

"I still remember with great joy the 1972 Olympics in Munich and in 2006 when Munich was such a great host for the World Cup."

Witt has promised that Munich will not waste any opportunity to try to get their message across to the IOC members, who are beginning to arrive in numbers today, many from Prince Albert's wedding in Monte Carlo.

"We will use every second to convince the IOC members that they should vote for Munich," she said.

"Before us lays two more days of hard work.

"In sports, one is also sometimes happy with a podium finish, but here it's all about gold."

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