RB Leipzig set sights on South Africa as Bundesliga club prepares for historic Sundowns clash

by nikita.m

German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are preparing to bring their brand of European football to South African soil for the very first time, with the club confirming plans for a tour that includes a high-profile friendly against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The match will take place on 29 May at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria and forms part of Leipzig’s “Re Kaofela” tour. For the German club, the visit represents far more than just another off-season friendly. It marks an opportunity to strengthen ties with African football while introducing their brand to one of the continent’s most passionate football audiences.

Speaking during a virtual media briefing this week, RB Leipzig Chief Business Officer Johann Plenge said the club is excited to step into a market that German football has long admired.

South Africa, he noted, has built a reputation in Europe for its vibrant stadium atmosphere and deeply passionate supporters.

Read more: SABC Sport to broadcast historic Mamelodi Sundowns vs RB Leipzig clash in Pretoria

A new market for the Bundesliga club

For Leipzig, the South African tour is another step in a broader global expansion strategy.

The club previously toured the United States in 2024 and Brazil in 2025. Those trips helped the Bundesliga outfit grow its international profile while building connections with football communities beyond Europe.

Plenge explained that tours like this are about more than simply playing matches.

He said the club wants to create a lasting presence in the regions it visits, both through football and through community engagement.

Last year’s visit to São Paulo in Brazil served as an example of that approach, where the club combined football activities with community-focused initiatives aimed at connecting with local supporters.

According to Plenge, Leipzig hopes to take a similar approach in South Africa.

Sundowns clash promises continental flavour

The headline event of the tour will be Leipzig’s friendly against Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the most successful clubs in the Premier Soccer League.

Sundowns have built a reputation as a powerhouse of South African football, regularly competing in the CAF Champions League and producing players who have gone on to represent the national team.

The match offers South African fans a rare chance to see Bundesliga opposition up close while giving Leipzig a taste of the competitive edge that defines the PSL.

While Leipzig may not travel with every first-choice player due to scheduling and preparations around the upcoming FIFA World Cup cycle, the club has promised to bring a squad capable of delivering an entertaining encounter.

Read more: Sundowns move top of the table after victory over Orbit College

Honouring a South African football legend

The choice of venue also carries special meaning.

Lucas Moripe Stadium, located in Atteridgeville, is named after one of South Africa’s most respected football figures. Moripe remains a legendary name in the local game, remembered for his influence both on and off the pitch.

Plenge said hosting the match at the stadium is a deliberate gesture to acknowledge Moripe’s legacy and the deep football culture that exists in the country.

For Leipzig, the visit is about more than marketing or commercial exposure. It is about showing respect to South Africa’s football heritage while building genuine connections with local communities.

As the May fixture approaches, anticipation is likely to grow among local supporters eager to witness a clash between Bundesliga precision and South African flair. For RB Leipzig, it is the beginning of what the club hopes will become a long-term relationship with African football.

Read more: Caf Champions League winners set for record $6m payday

Source: SABC Sport
Featured Image Source: iDiski Times on X