International superstar Kevin De Bruyne is eagerly looking forward to hosting South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns’ youth team in his Cup competition.
The international tournament is set to staged in Belgium on 10-11 June 2023.
The sixth edition of the Kevin De Bruyne Cup will see Sundowns Under-15 side make their maiden appearance in the competition.
They’ll join an elite group of youth teams such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, PSG and Bayern Munich.
It’s the first time that the KDB Cup, invites a team in Africa and goes global with teams from South America and Europe as well.
And it is worth noting that the KDB Cup is regarded as the ‘the most prestigious youth tournament in Europe’.
Manchester City star, De Bruyne says he is fully aware that Sundowns is a powerhouse in African football and feels honoured to host the club.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME MAMELODI SUNDOWNS IN KDB CUP
“It’s a proud moment for me to welcome Mamelodi Sundowns as the first African team to participate in the tournament,” he said.
“We are well aware of the success and values Mamelodi Sundowns stands for as a club.
“And I have no doubt their youth team will be a wonderful addition to the team roster.
“I’m so excited to meet the Sundowns team, and can’t wait to see our South African friends in June. Best of luck!”
In addition, Sundowns acknowledged Roc Nation Sports International, the agency that represents De Bruyne for facilitating the club’s participation in the KDB Cup.
“The inclusion of Mamelodi Sundowns’ youth team is a major accomplishment,” reads the club’s statement.
“The club is known as an ambitious and inspiring. A dynamic organisation that aspires to be the biggest African football team in the world.
“Sundowns has a long and decorated history on the competitive football scene.
“They have a strong youth structure feeding into a senior side that has established itself as the most successful football club in South Africa’s PSL.
Meanwhile, chairman of the Tshwane giants Tlhopie Motsepe was over the moon after receiving the news.
He says Sundowns’ invitation to KDB Cup will help the club grow. According to him, the club’s youngsters will be exposed to different styles of football and “a different way of life”.
“We also believe that this is an opportunity for our youth team to expose the participating clubs to African football. As well as African friendship,” he said.
“And I would like to thank Kevin De Bruyne. Our associates at Roc Nation Sports International for making this possible for the Under-15’s.”
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