The Kevin de Bruyne Cup, established in 2016, is set to be an international affair this year, with clubs from Europe, Africa and South America joining the likes of Man City, Barcelona and Real Madrid in Belgium.
Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African Premier Soccer League club, will be the first African side to participate in the tournament, and Chairman Tlhopie Motsepe is delighted at the exposure the young players at the club will be given.
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
“Our club and supporters are very excited for our academy players,” said Motsepe. “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.”
Motsepe also thanked Manchester City and Belgium star Kevin de Bruyne for making the tournament possible, and expressed his excitement at the prospect of meeting the Sundowns team in June.
“I’m so excited to meet the Sundowns team, and can’t wait to see our South African friends in June. Best of luck!” he said.
