RB Leipzig chief hails Mamelodi Sundowns but insists they are aiming for victory in Pretoria friendly

RB Leipzig managing director Marcel Schäfer has paid glowing tribute to Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of Friday night’s high-profile friendly at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, while maintaining that the German side will be targeting a win.

The Bundesliga club arrived in South Africa earlier in the week as part of preparations for the encounter against the reigning African champions, who continue to enjoy a dominant spell on the continent under head coach Miguel Cardoso.

RB Leipzig come into the fixture on the back of a strong 2025/26 campaign, finishing third in Germany’s top flight, and are using the match as part of their off-season build-up.

Their opponents, Mamelodi Sundowns, approach the game in confident mood after recently lifting the CAF Champions League title against AS FAR Rabat, reinforcing their status as Africa’s premier club side.

Schäfer acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting Leipzig, describing Sundowns as the continent’s benchmark team while also highlighting the value of the occasion for both squads.

“Sundowns are not one of the top teams; they are the best team in Africa right now, and it will be a huge challenge to face the team tonight,” Schäfer told KickOff.com.

“I mean, we all know both teams had a very intensive season, a tough season, and in the end, a very successful season, where they achieved both their season goals.

“Sundowns, with the win of the African Champions League, we are back in the Champions League in Europe, but again, it was a very intensive season.”

He noted that both teams have endured demanding seasons but ended on a high, adding that the fixture presents an opportunity to celebrate the global game and entertain supporters with an open, attacking spectacle.

“A lot of players have already joined the national team, so in the end, the most important thing is that we celebrate our common sport, that we see the passion on and off the field.

He expressed hope for an entertaining contest filled with attacking play, creativity and goals, stressing the importance of the occasion for fans in attendance.

“I would love to see a lot of offensive situations, I would love to see dribbling, I would love to see a lot of goals, to motivate the people, to have a great experience, a great atmosphere in the stadium.”

However, Schäfer was clear about Leipzig’s ambition going into the match, insisting that despite the respect for Sundowns, the German side will be aiming to come out on top.

“But in the end, Leipzig should win.”