German side RB Leipzig are set to make history with their first-ever post-season tour to South Africa, where they will take on Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
RB Leipzig is setting another strong international marker and will travel to South Africa for the first time in the club’s history. As part of the tour “RE KAOFELA” (English: all together), the Red Bulls will be hosted in Johannesburg from 26 to 30 May 2026 – a significant milestone for RB Leipzig and the club’s third major international tour after previous trips to the USA in 2024 and Brazil in 2025.
The sporting highlight of the tour will be a friendly match against Mamelodi Sundowns, champions of the Premier League in South Africa, on 29 May 2026 in Pretoria. The match against the participant of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will kick off at 20:00 local time at the historic Lucas Moripe Stadium. The game will be broadcasted live by SABC3, Bundesliga media partner in the market.
This encounter brings together two football cultures known for professionalism, talent development and innovation – and sets a strong signal for sporting exchange between Germany and South Africa. In addition, RB Leipzig is once again planning numerous activations and activities with Red Bull, Puma, Tudor and other partners in the region.
Johann Plenge – RB Leipzig General Manager
“South Africa is a particularly exciting football market and a culturally impressive destination for RB Leipzig and the Bundesliga. 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, as well as with our football as a whole.
After successful tours in the United States and Brazil, we are now very much looking forward to once again taking on responsibility for the league, traveling 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. We carry the colors of our club and our city out into the world and want to be the best possible ambassadors for Leipzig.
At the same time, this tour is also a strong sign of our close partnerships: together with Red Bull, Puma, and Tudor as well as the Bundesliga, we aim to further strengthen our global footprint, gain deeper insights into a new football market, and strengthen our connection with people on the ground.
For us, this trip is a valuable opportunity to engage with South African fans, gain insights into the local football culture, and continue to expand our international identity.”
Hlompho Kekana – Mamelodi Sundowns Ambassador and former Captain
“We look forward to welcoming a formidable side like RB Leipzig, to Pretoria in South Africa. Having captained Mamelodi Sundowns against Barcelona FC, here in South Africa (2018), I personally know the players will be competitive.
We have just taken on some of the biggest clubs globally and the tour gives us an opportunity to not only showcase South African football flair but the country’s hospitality and Atteridgeville’s rich history.
We look forward to the lineup of stadium activities scheduled for the day of the match and as they will definitely be of interest to various supporters and audiences. We cannot wait to display our style of play – shoe shine and piano – to the world, once again.”
Lucas Moripe Stadium – A Venue of History and Significance
The Lucas Moripe Stadium is a historic and symbolic venue that was deliberately chosen for this premiere. Located in Pretoria, the traditional stadium is deeply rooted in South African football history and has hosted numerous defining moments and national competitions.
The Stadium is named after South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe who was considered one of the best football talents of his time. He was known as “Modimo wa Bolo” (Lord of football) by adoring fans. His footballing talents took him to Hong Kong, playing for Caroline Hills FC. In Pretoria, he played for Pretoria Bantu Callies Football Club.
The venue also holds a special international significance: during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the German national team used Lucas Moripe Stadium as a training facility – underscoring the high quality, professionalism and sporting relevance of the site.
In addition, the stadium offers excellent accessibility for fans and is ideally situated for supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns as well as the surrounding communities. It also embodies strong symbolic meaning – a place that unites pride, identity and the passionate football culture of the entire region.
RB Leipzig and International Tours
The trip to South Africa continues RB Leipzig’s consistent international strategy. Following previous editions in the USA (2024) and Brazil (2025), the club is further expanding its strategic global footprint by combining sporting highlights with targeted initiatives to reach and strengthen local fan communities.
Past tours have focused not only on matches but also on a broad range of local activations that enabled RB Leipzig to connect with people on site and bring both the club and the Bundesliga to life in each market. These included training sessions with youth players, coach-the-coach programmes, community events, school visits, content formats and events, as well as collaborations with local clubs.
With the tour to South Africa, RB Leipzig is opening the next chapter of this development – taking another step to build presence in a dynamic, football-loving market, deepen relationships and inspire new target groups for RB Leipzig and the Bundesliga.
