Mamelodi Sundowns to Take on Bundesliga Club RB Leipzig in Historic Friendly

The highly anticipated clash will take place on 29 May 2026 at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00.

The match forms part of the Red Bull Diski Last Namba showcase and RB Leipzig’s "RE KAOFELA" South Africa Tour, marking the first time the German club has travelled to Africa.

For one night, Pretoria becomes the stage for a clash of two football cultures, European tactical intensity and African football flair as one of South Africa’s most dominant clubs faces one of Germany’s most exciting teams.

A Rare International Club Match in South Africa

International friendlies between African and European clubs have become increasingly rare in South Africa, making this fixture particularly significant for football fans.

While global clubs often tour regions like the United States and Asia during off-seasons, African fans seldom get the opportunity to watch top European teams play competitive matches on the continent.

That’s what makes this encounter special.

Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the most successful clubs in African football and perennial champions of the Premier Soccer League, will test themselves against a side that has rapidly become a major force in European football.

RB Leipzig compete in the Bundesliga and have built a reputation for fast, aggressive and attacking football. Their style is defined by high pressing, rapid transitions and the development of elite young players who have gone on to become some of Europe’s biggest talents.

Sundowns, meanwhile, bring their iconic “shoe shine and piano” brand of football, a fluid, technical style built on quick passing, movement and creativity. Over the past decade, the Pretoria-based club has dominated South African football while consistently competing at the top level of the African game.

When these two philosophies meet on the pitch, fans can expect a high-tempo and entertaining encounter.

RB Leipzig’s First Visit to Africa

The friendly match forms the highlight of RB Leipzig’s international tour of South Africa.

The German club will be based in Johannesburg from 26 to 30 May, where they will take part in a range of fan experiences and football initiatives across the city.

The tour is being delivered in partnership with Red Bull, with additional support from partners including Puma and Tudor.

Beyond the match itself, the club will also host several activations designed to connect with South African football culture, including youth football programmes, community engagement initiatives and coaching exchanges.

The visit continues RB Leipzig’s global expansion strategy following previous international tours to the United States in 2024 and Brazil in 2025, as the Bundesliga club looks to build stronger connections with football audiences around the world.

The Significance of Lucas Moripe Stadium

The match will take place at Lucas Moripe Stadium, one of the most historic football venues in South Africa.

Located in Atteridgeville, just outside central Pretoria, the stadium has a capacity of approximately 28,000 spectators and has hosted numerous important football matches and national competitions over the years.

The stadium is named after legendary South African footballer Lucas Moripe, widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted players the country has ever produced. Known by fans as “Modimo wa Bolo” (Lord of Football), Moripe’s legacy remains deeply embedded in South African football history.

The venue also carries international significance. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the German national team used Lucas Moripe Stadium as a training facility, creating a unique connection between the stadium and German football more than a decade before this upcoming match.

Match Details

Match: Mamelodi Sundowns vs RB Leipzig
Event: Red Bull Diski Last Namba
Date: 29 May 2026
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville, Pretoria
Kick-off: 20:00

The match will also be broadcast live on SABC3 for fans watching from home.

How to Buy Tickets

Tickets will be available through Mamelodi Sundowns’ official ticketing platform, with the event website redirecting supporters to the club’s official sales channel once tickets go live.

A Moment for South African Football

For football supporters across the country, the match represents a rare opportunity to see a top European club play on South African soil while showcasing the strength and style of local football to an international audience.

When Mamelodi Sundowns and RB Leipzig step onto the pitch under the lights in Pretoria, it will be more than just a friendly.

It will be a meeting of two football worlds and a reminder of the global stage South African football continues to occupy.