Man City star De Bruyne ‘proud’ to include Sundowns as first African team to play in KDB Cup

Thlopie Motsepe and Bongani Zungu (@BoonganiZungu08)

• Mamelodi Sundowns’ youth team will get a taste of playing in Europe after being included in the Kevin De Bruyne Cup.
• The tournament, created by the Manchester City star himself, will see teams from three continents go head to head in Belgium.
• The Brazilians are the first African team to participate in the competition.

Europe is calling for Mamelodi Sundowns’ under-15 youth team, who will represent South Africa in the Kevin de Bruyne Cup in June.

The competition, known as the KDB Cup and named after the Manchester City and Belgium star De Bruyne, has become a globally-recognised youth tournament since its inauguration in 2016. It will take place over two days in Belgium, with teams from Africa, South America and Europe vying for the ultimate prize.

“It’s a proud moment for me to welcome Mamelodi Sundowns as the first African team to participate in the tournament,” De Bruyne said in a statement.

“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 I can’t wait to see our South African friends in June. Best of luck!”

Sundowns has close ties with Roc Nation Sports International, which also represents De Bruyne.

The Tshwane giants’ under-15s will rub shoulders and test their football talents against Man City (England), Paris Saint-Germain (France), Barcelona (Spain), Real Madrid (Spain), Bayern Munich (Germany), RB Leipzig (Germany ) KAA Gent (Belgium), Club Brugge (Belgium), Odense Boldklub (Denmark) and Palmeiras (Brazil).

Several players such as Ilaix Moriba (RB Leipzig & Guinea), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Romeo Lavia (Southampton), Ansu Fati (Barcelona), Eric Garcia (Barcelona) and Noni Madueke (PSV Eindhoven) have all previously participated in the KDB Cup during their early years before breaking it into senior teams across Europe.

“Our club and supporters are very excited for our academy players,” Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe said.

“As much as we know that this is a wonderful opportunity to expose our youngsters 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 and African friendship.

“I would like to thank Kevin De Bruyne and our associates at Roc Nation Sports International for making this possible for the under-15s.”