RB Leipzig chairman Johann Plenge has spoke about the side’s reasons to choose Mamelodi Sundowns as a post-season opponent in May.
The Bundesliga side have announced a tour of South Africa themed ‘Re Kaofela’ where they will play the Betway Premiership defending champions in preparation for the next season.
Plenge spoke to South African media in a virtual press conference on Wednesday where he spoke about the Brazilians’ successes on the field as one of the things that pulled Leipzig, Sundowns’ culture and having the same partners that can help make the tour a success.
“I think there is two main reasons, one is the sporting perspective,” said Plenge.
“Of course we do want to have an ambitious opponent and I just talked about the quality of the Sundowns that we all saw in the FIFA Club World Cup. We all know of the great successes of Sundowns winning their Premier Soccer League for eight consecutive times in a row.
“So we do want to mess with the best and play against the best in town so to say. And we think Sundowns is a perfect match from a sporting perspective.
“But also from a more of a value and cultural term of view in terms of the club that wants to develop themselves step by step.
“A club that has a strong focus on a very positive, very emotional, very friendly atmosphere when they create a football environment.
“This is what from our perspective, from our experience with the Sundowns and therefore we think they are a perfect opponent to play against.
“And there are several more reasons. There are partners that we do share.
“Redbull is engaged with Sundowns, Puma is engaged with Sundowns and I think they will be a big help to set up a tour in May.”
