RB Leipzig has officially confirmed its first-ever post-season tour to South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the Bundesliga club’s ongoing international expansion strategy. The tour, titled “RE KAOFELA†(meaning “all togetherâ€), is scheduled to take place from May 26 to May 30, 2026, with the team based in Johannesburg.
A High-Profile Friendly in Pretoria
The highlight of the five-day visit will be an exhibition match against Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa’s most decorated clubs and a participant in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The match is scheduled for May 29, 2026, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, with an 8:00 PM local kick-off. Fans in the region can catch the action live on SABC 3, the Bundesliga’s official media partner in South Africa.
Building a Global Brand
Following successful post-season tours in the United States (2024) and Brazil (2025), this South African initiative continues RB Leipzig’s effort to build brand recognition in emerging markets. The tour aims to go beyond the pitch, featuring:
- Youth development activities and coaching workshops.
- Regional activations alongside key club partners including Red Bull, PUMA, and Tudor.
- Community engagement through school visits and dedicated fan events.
Strategic Vision
Johann Plenge, Managing Director (CBO) of RB Leipzig, emphasized the strategic importance of the South African market.
“South Africa is a particularly exciting football market… The passion with which football is lived here fits perfectly with our goal of inspiring people around the world with our style of play,” said Plenge.
The tour serves as a multi-layered platform to deepen relationships with international commercial partners and local football communities, further establishing RB Leipzig as a modern, globally-focused sports entity.