Mamelodi Sundowns host RB Leipzig at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium tonight in a high-profile friendly that Bafana Bafana legend Sibusiso Zuma believes could change the careers of the club’s most talented young players.
The Bundesliga Africa ambassador says the exposure of facing a Champions League-bound German side is an opportunity that must not be wasted.
Zuma, speaking at a pre-match event after a hectic week that took him from a ceremony in Denmark back to South Africa, was clear about the stakes on both sides of the pitch.
The Leipzig players, he warned, are not arriving for a relaxed tour; they have a point to prove.
“These guys are fascinated by the way we play,” Zuma said. “Based on my experience in Denmark and Germany, they used to be very interested in how we do these things – the skills. I know they are very excited to be playing a South African team, a very good South African team.”
But the former winger cautioned that Leipzig’s admiration for African flair cuts both ways.
“They can’t wait to see these boys doing these crazy things with the ball, but it’s them trying to prove a point as well, to say their game is very strong compared to your type of game. I have seen them in training – they can be physical and push you to your limits.”
For Sundowns’ players, Zuma stressed that tonight’s match represents far more than a friendly. With Leipzig set to compete in the Champions League next season, any player who dominates proceedings could find themselves on the radar of European scouts.
“You are always going to be in a window where you can be scouted at any time,” he said. “Anyone that can dominate the game today might be scouted by a quality German team that will be playing Champions League next season. I guarantee you these guys want to beat Sundowns to show their style is superior to ours.”
Zuma also had specific tactical advice for the Sundowns squad. While South African football’s distinctive style, the so-called diski – is beloved at home, he urged players to channel that creativity into forward momentum rather than stationary showboating.
“Take it as a trial. Go forward, let the people see our tricks work going forward. Don’t do things standing, not moving – then it’s just pointless.”
He also highlighted the youth-driven identity of the visiting side as an inspiration for what is possible.
“If you look at their squad, there’s a lot of teenagers – a very young team – and they use their young talent. For these Sundowns players, that type of talent, it would be very nice to see a few playing for Leipzig next season.
“These boys are professional. These guys are playing Champions League next season, and you would like to be part of that. It shows this team has a plan.”
Kick-off is at 20:00 tonight at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
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