PRETORIA, South Africa — A wave of excitement has swept through the South African football community following the official confirmation of an iconic international friendly between Mamelodi Sundowns and German Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig. This highly anticipated match will take place on Friday, 29 May 2026, at the renowned Lucas Moripe Stadium, marking a monumental moment in African football.
This historic encounter is set to be the centerpiece of RB Leipzig’s inaugural African tour, aptly named “RE KAOFELA”—a Sotho phrase meaning “All Together.” The German side’s first-ever visit to South Africa serves as a testament to the growing footballing relationship between Africa and Europe.
A Global Stage in Atteridgeville
The “RE KAOFELA” tour, which also takes in the United States (2024) and Brazil (2025), signals RB Leipzig’s strong interest in the booming African football market. The decision to visit South Africa is a clear acknowledgment of the country’s rich football heritage and its pivotal role in the global football landscape.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, the friendly represents more than just a warm-up match. After their experience at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they faced elite European opponents like Borussia Dortmund, Sundowns will be eager to measure their “Shoe-shine and Piano” footballing style against the intense tactical discipline of the Bundesliga.
Key Match Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Mamelodi Sundowns vs. RB Leipzig |
| Date | Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Venue | Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria |
| Kick-off | 20:00 (Local Time) |
| Broadcast | Live on SABC 3 |
Beyond the 90 Minutes
The “RE KAOFELA” tour, running from 26 May to 30 May 2026, will see RB Leipzig based in Johannesburg, with fans eagerly anticipating a series of off-pitch activities. The club has teamed up with global partners like Red Bull, Puma, and Tudor to bring commercial activations and fan engagement events to various Gauteng locations.
RB Leipzig General Manager Johann Plenge expressed his excitement for the upcoming trip, saying:
“South Africa is a particularly exciting football market. The passion here fits perfectly with our goal of inspiring people worldwide with our intensive and attacking style of play.”
Ticket Information
Tickets for this historic clash will go on sale on Friday, 24 April 2026. With the stature of the visiting RB Leipzig and the immense following of the PSL champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, the match is expected to draw a capacity crowd at the 28,000-seater Lucas Moripe Stadium.
This exciting encounter serves as a vital bridge between European and African football cultures, showcasing the mutual commitment to innovation, excellence, and talent development. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this landmark event!
How’s that for a polished version? Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!
