South African football fans are set for a rare treat later this year as Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to host German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in a high-profile international friendly.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation has confirmed that the much-anticipated clash will be shown live on free-to-air television, giving supporters across the country a front-row seat to one of the most exciting club matchups to be staged locally in recent years.
The match forms part of RB Leipzig’s first-ever tour to South Africa and is expected to draw strong interest from football lovers eager to see a European powerhouse take on one of Africa’s most dominant clubs.
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A rare international test for sundowns
The friendly will take place on Friday, 29 May 2026 at the historic Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00. South African viewers will be able to watch the match live on S3.
For Sundowns, the fixture offers a valuable opportunity to measure themselves against one of Germany’s top teams. The Brazilians have built a reputation as one of the continent’s most successful and entertaining sides, known for their possession-based approach often described by supporters as “shoe shine and piano”.
Former Sundowns captain and club ambassador Hlompho Kekana says moments like this are special for both players and fans. Having led the team in their memorable encounter against Barcelona in South Africa in 2018, he understands the excitement that international friendlies bring to local football.
Kekana believes the match will also showcase South African football culture and hospitality while giving Sundowns another platform to demonstrate their unique playing style on a global stage.
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RB Leipzig’s first visit to South Africa
The match forms part of RB Leipzig’s “RE KAOFELA” Tour, which translates to “all together”. The German club will be based in Johannesburg from 26 to 30 May as part of a broader initiative aimed at expanding their global presence and connecting with football supporters in Africa.
RB Leipzig General Manager Johann Plenge described South Africa as one of the world’s most exciting football markets, highlighting the country’s deep passion for the game.
The club has previously toured destinations such as the United States and Brazil, but this will mark its first official visit to South Africa.
Facing Mamelodi Sundowns, a team widely respected across the continent, is expected to provide both sides with a competitive and entertaining encounter.
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A stadium steeped in football history
The fixture will be hosted at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, a venue with deep roots in South African football.
The stadium has played an important role in the country’s sporting history and even served as a training base for the German national team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. That connection adds an extra layer of symbolism to Leipzig’s visit more than a decade later.
For local supporters, it also presents a chance to experience a high-level international club fixture without needing a subscription channel.
Free-to-air football for local fans
SABC Head of Sport Keletso Totlhanyo says broadcasting the match aligns with the public broadcaster’s mission to make major sporting moments accessible to all South Africans.
By airing the game on S3, the broadcaster hopes to bring world-class football into homes across the country while celebrating the strength of the domestic game.
The Sundowns vs RB Leipzig friendly will be broadcast live on S3 on Friday, 29 May 2026 at 20:00. For football fans across South Africa, it promises to be a memorable evening as two exciting teams meet on local soil.
Dieses Duell verspricht Fußball-Highlights 👀🔥
Mzansi-Flair trifft auf europäisches Tempo 🤜🤛
@Masandawana 🆚 @RBLeipzig ⚽🗓️ Save the Date: 29.05.2026
@redbull @RedBullZA #RedBullFootball #GivesYouWiiings pic.twitter.com/HHvcrp5THK
— RB Leipzig (@RBLeipzig) March 9, 2026
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Source: SABC Sport
Featured Image Source: RB Leipzig on X
