Plenge explains why RB Leipzig chose Sundowns for 2026 tour

Johann Plenge, Managing Director of RB Leipzig, has hailed South Africa as a “culturally impressive destination” as the Bundesliga side confirmed a historic post-season tour to face Mamelodi Sundowns.

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Mamelodi Sundowns 🆚 RB Leipzig
📆 29.05.2026

For more information 📲 https://t.co/FO0zKKr95n#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/C5H3NGSy3b

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) March 9, 2026

The German giants are set to land in South Africa from 26 to 30 May 2026 for their “Re Kaofela” (All Together) tour. The sporting highlight of the trip will be a blockbuster friendly against the Betway Premiership defending champions on 29 May at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.

RB Leipzig’s Global Strategy

Speaking on the club’s decision to choose South Africa for their third major international tour—following successful trips to the USA in 2024 and Brazil in 2025—Plenge emphasised the synergy between the two football cultures.

“South Africa is a particularly exciting football market and a culturally impressive destination for RB Leipzig and the Bundesliga,” said Plenge. “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.”

Plenge added that the tour is a significant milestone for the “Red Bulls” as they look to expand their global footprint.

“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.”

A Historic Clash in Atteridgeville Against Sundowns

The match, scheduled for a 20:00 kickoff, will be broadcast live on SABC 3. For Sundowns, it represents another opportunity to test themselves against world-class opposition following their participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Sundowns ambassador and legendary former captain Hlompho Kekana expressed his excitement about hosting the Bundesliga outfit in Pretoria.

“We look forward to welcoming a formidable side like RB Leipzig,” Kekana said. “Having captained Mamelodi Sundowns against Barcelona FC here in 2018, I personally know the players will be competitive. This tour allows us to not only showcase South African football flair but the country’s hospitality and Atteridgeville’s rich history.”

Beyond the Pitch

The “Re Kaofela” tour isn’t just about the 90 minutes on the field. RB Leipzig, in partnership with Red Bull, Puma, and Tudor, plans to engage in several local activations, including:

Youth coaching clinics and “coach-the-coach” programmes.

Community events and school visits across Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Strategic exchanges focused on talent development and innovation.

As the Bundesliga side prepares to set up their base camp in Johannesburg, the encounter signals a growing bridge between German professionalism and South African flair.