Mamelodi Sundowns are set to host RB Leipzig at the end of May for a massive international friendly in Pretoria. Here, Leipzig's Yan Diomande, left, celebrates scoring with teammate Conrad Harder in their Bundesliga clash against Augsburg this past weekend. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Mamelodi Sundowns will host Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in a highly anticipated international friendly at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria at the end of May, the German club announced on Monday.
The match forms part of Leipzig’s “RE KAOFELA” (“All Together”) Tour, which will see the German outfit travel to South Africa for the first time in the club’s history. During the tour, the Bundesliga side will be based in Johannesburg for their match on May 29, marking a significant milestone in the club’s continued efforts to grow its global footprint and strengthen its international profile.
The clash against the reigning PSL champions promises to be a major spectacle for South African football fans and will be broadcast live on SABC3. The encounter will bring together two teams known for their progressive football philosophies and commitment to attacking, high-tempo football.
Mamelodi Sundowns will test themselves against RB Leipzig in a historic friendly at Lucas Moripe Stadium on 29 May 2026. Photo: Supplied
Image: Supplied
For Sundowns, the fixture represents another opportunity to measure themselves against elite European opposition. The Brazilians previously faced Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund during the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup, where they tested themselves against one of Germany’s most recognised clubs on the global stage.
Leipzig’s visit to South Africa will also mark the club’s third major international tour in recent years, following trips to the United States in 2024 and Brazil in 2025. The tour highlights the Bundesliga outfit’s ambition to expand its presence globally while building stronger relationships with football communities across different regions.
Beyond the match itself, Leipzig are planning a number of fan engagement initiatives and commercial activations during their stay, working alongside global partners including Red Bull, Puma and Tudor.
Looking ahead to the visit, Leipzig general manager Johann Plenge described South Africa as an exciting destination for the club.
“South Africa is a particularly exciting football market and a culturally impressive destination for RB Leipzig and the Bundesliga,” said Plenge “The passion for football in the country aligns with the club’s goal of inspiring supporters worldwide with its attacking brand of play.
Meanwhile, former Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana described the upcoming encounter as another historic moment for the Tshwane giants.
The club previously hosted Spanish giants FC Barcelona in a memorable exhibition match in 2018, and Kekana believes the clash with Leipzig will once again place South African football in the global spotlight.
“We look forward to welcoming a formidable side like RB Leipzig to Pretoria,” Kekana said.
“We have taken on some of the biggest clubs globally and this tour gives us an opportunity not only to showcase South African football flair but also the country’s hospitality and Atteridgeville’s rich history.
“We cannot wait to display our style of play – shoe shine and piano – to the world once again.”
* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch