RB Leipzig played a post-season friendly against Mamelodi Sundowns whilst on tour in South Africa. - © RB Leipzig

bundesliga

RB Leipzig conclude post-season trip to South Africa

01.06.2026

RB Leipzig have wrapped up their 'RE KAOFELA' ('All Together') tour of South Africa - the Bundesliga club's first trip to the Rainbow Nation.

Leipzig, who toured the USA in 2024 and Brazil in 2025, were based in Johannesburg from 26-30 May.

Holding training sessions at the Wits Academy in the Braamfontein district, Die Roten Bullen also played Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria, losing 3-1.

Activations and activities with Red Bull, Puma, Tudor and other club partners in the region completed a colourful itinerary, alongside various fan engagements and local cultural experiences.

Recap Leipzig's tour below...

Castello Lukeba reflects on South Africa tour

“We’ve learned a lot. We’ve got to know a beautiful culture. I’ve really enjoyed the trip. I don’t want to leave. I’ve enjoyed every moment here.”

Leipzig suffer 3-1 defeat

Despite taking a first-half lead against the Sundowns, Leipzig conceded three goals in the second half, including two after the 89th minute, as they slipped to a 3-1 reverse.

Leipzig train in front of fans

Thursday evening saw Leipzig conduct a public training session in Johannesburg before they head to Pretoria for Friday's friendly encounter with Mamelodi Sundowns.

At the grill

Local content creator Dedrick showed Castello Lukeba, Benjamin Henrichs and Johan Bakayoko how South Africans do barbecue on Thursday evening.

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Leipzig players try spinning

On Thursday, members of Die Roten Bullen's squad, including Conrad Harder, tried their hand at car spinning - a unique motorsport subculture and beloved South African pastime which originated in Soweto.

All action

Leipzig's post-training schedule on Tuesday was anything but quiet. The Bundesliga boys took part in a dance workshop, a graffiti art session and then somehow still had the energy for a session with the Vodacom Bulls rugby team.

First training session

Leipzig have undergone their first training session in South Africa following their arrival. The players seemed in good spirits as they were put through their paces in glorious conditions.

I don't like cricket... I love it!

The Leipzig team got to test out their bowling and batting skills on the cricket pitches on Tuesday.

Touchdown!

Leipzig landed in Johannesburg on Tuesday morning to be greeted by traditional dancers at the airport. The day's schedule clearly shows they are not in South Africa for a holiday - they are heading straight to the gym for a session, before a cricket workshop and a visit to a safe space for children and teenagers, which includes the start of the Bundesliga Night League tonight.

Super Sundowns

Leipzig face a tough test in Friday's friendly against Mamelodi Sundowns as the Pretoria-based club have just lifted the second CAF Champions League in club history thanks to a 2-1 aggregate win against AS FAR in the final.

Werner names his 26

Leipzig are travelling with a party of 16 first-team players and ten academy players. Their six players due for action at the FIFA World Cup are absent, as are Vandevoordt, Baku, Maksimović and Nedeljković. The stars on board include Willi Orbán, Castello Lukeba, Brajan Gruda, Assan Ouédraogo and Rômulo.

How's that?

Leipzig plan to sample some of the local sporting culture while in South Africa - namely cricket and rugby. There will be a joint training session with the Vodacom Bulls rugby team, along with a Pantsula dance workshop, while there will be also chances to meet and inspire local children.

RE KAOFELA

The local phrase means "all together" and is the motto of Leipzig's tour, which will see them set off for Johannesburg on Monday 25 May. They will base themselves at Wits Academy in the Braamfontein district before heading to Pretoria for a friendly against this season's African Champions League winners, Mamelodi Sundowns.