Mamelodi Sundowns have discovered their opponents for the much-anticipated 2023 edition of the Kevin De Bruyne Cup.
The draw was conducted by Manchester City star De Bruyne via Veo Camera on Thursday, 16 March.
Sundowns, who will make their maiden appearance in the KDB Cup, were pitted against two European powerhouses in Group A.
The Tshwane giants are among the two first-ever non-European sides in the tournament as the KDB Cup goes global. The other team is Palmeiras from Brazil.
At the draw, De Bruyne stated that he is thrilled to have Sundowns taking part in his Under 15 competition, deemed as ‘the most prestigious tournament in Europe’ at the youth level.
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The sixth edition of the international tournament will be played in Belgium from the 10th to the 11th of June 2023.
“Sundowns, to get a team from Africa, that far and I’m very excited to see them,” said the world-renowned De Bruyne.
“I think it will be a great experience for them not only to play football against other teams but to see another part of the world and to have a life experience.
“They will compete against a mix of global powerhouses and European and Belgian teams. This year’s draw also included Barcelona. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Odense Boldklub, RB Leipzig, Manchester City, Ajax, PSG, KAA Gent, and Club Brugge,” he added.
In recent weeks, the Belgium playmaker also said that he is well are that Sundowns is a big team in Africa and he is waiting with bated breath to welcome them to Belgium.
In addition, Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe admitted that the KDB Cup will assist the club to grow internationally. And expose the youngsters to different styles of football and “a different way of life”.
Sundowns are in Group A alongside the KDB Cup defending champions Barcelona and Manchester City.
In Group B, Bayern Munich will take on Palmeiras and Odense Boldklub from Denmark.
German side RB Leipzig and French giants PSG, and Belgium outfit, Club Brugge are in Group C.
Real Madrid, Ajax Amsterdan and KKA Gent make up Group D.
The fixture list and kick-off times are yet to be released. The KBD Cup is set to be live on Veo Camera in June.
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