Mamelodi Sundowns’ U-15 team have been included in the 2023 Kevin De Bruyne Cup.
The tournament, established by the Manchester City midfielder, will see teams from three continents square up against one other in Belgium.
The Kevin De Bruyne Cup has become a globally-recognised youth tournament since its inauguration in 2016 and will be played over two days in Belgium, with teams from Africa, South America and Europe contending for the ultimate prize.
Mamelodi Sundowns and @RocNationSI are delighted to announce Masandawana’s participation in this year’s edition of the most prestigious youth tournament in Europe- the Kevin De Bruyne Cup in Belgium! 🏆
Watch along as the club surprised our youngsters with the news!#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/fGDgyxh2Vd
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 9, 2023
“It’s a proud moment for me to welcome Mamelodi Sundowns as the first African team to participate in the tournament,” De Bruyne remarked 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!” he added.
Mamelodi Sundowns Chairman Tlhopie Motsepe revealed his excitement at the opportunity presented to the club’s youth system after they were confirmed as KDB Cup participants for 2023.
He said: “Our club and supporters are very excited for our academy players. 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-15’s,” the Chairman of the Club concluded.
Sundowns have a thriving relationship with Roc Nation Sports International, which also represents De Bruyne.
The Tshwane giants’ under-15s will compete against football talents from 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).
Well known international youngsters 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 starred in the KDB Cup before breaking it into senior teams across Europe.
