Bundesliga club RB Leipzig explain why they chose to play Mamelodi Sundowns

German club RB Leipzig has provided further details over their trip to South Africa which will see them face off with PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns on May 29.

The Bundesliga club and Sundowns jointly confirmed that they will face off in a pre-season friendly at the Lucas Moripe Stadium during their four-day tour of South Africa that will begin on May 26.

Leipzig managing director Johann Plenge has given insights into why they found South Africa ideal for their tour and what makes Sundowns an attractive team to play against.

“South Africa is a particularly exciting football market and a culturally impressive destination for RB Leipzig and the Bundesliga,” he said as reported by the club’s website.

Bundesliga side on playing Sundowns

“The passion with which football is lived here fits perfectly with our goal of inspiring people around the world with our intensive and attacking style of play, as well as with our football as a whole,” he added.

Leipzig say Sundowns’ international profile made them an attractive side to play against with the Brazilians being permanent fixtures in the CAF Champions League and also impressing at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

“After successful tours in the United States and Brazil, we are now very much looking forward to once again taking on responsibility for the league, travelling to South Africa for the first time, and meeting Mamelodi Sundowns – a club that has shaped African football for years and enjoys significant international recognition,” Plenge further stated.

“We carry the colours of our club and our city out into the world and want to be the best possible ambassadors for Leipzig.

RB Leipzig looking forward to successful tour

“At the same time, this tour is also a strong sign of our close partnerships: together with Red Bull, Puma, and Tudor as well as the Bundesliga, we aim to further strengthen our global footprint, gain deeper insights into a new football market, and strengthen our connection with people on the ground.

“For us, this trip is a valuable opportunity to engage with South African fans, gain insights into the local football culture, and continue to expand our international identity.”

Sundowns are fighting to win a ninth straight PSL title and also have Champions League-winning ambitions this season while Leipzig are looking to seal a UEFA Champions League spot as they are currently fifth on the Bundesliga table with 47 points, same as fourth-placed VfB Stuttgart, and two adrift of Hoffenheim, who occupy third spot.