Bundelisga's RB Leipzig chairman Johann Plenge on facing Mamelodi Sundowns: There were two main reasons why we opted to play Sundowns in May

Johann Plenge said there are two reasons RB Leipzig opted to face Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of the Bundesliga season in May.

The Leipzig chairman said the sporting and cultural perspectives are two main reasons which influenced their decision to travel to South Africa for a match against the Betway Premiership defending champions.

“I think there is two main reasons, one is the sporting perspective,” said Plenge.

“Of course we do want to have an ambitious opponent and I just talked about the quality of the Sundowns that we all saw in the FIFA Club World Cup. We all know of the great successes of Sundowns winning their Premier Soccer League for eight consecutive times in a row.

“So we do want to mess with the best and play against the best in town so to say. And we think Sundowns is a perfect match from a sporting perspective.

“But also from a more of a value and cultural term of view in terms of the club that wants to develop themselves step by step.

“A club that has a strong focus on a very positive, very emotional, very friendly atmosphere when they create a football environment.

“This is what from our perspective, from our experience with the Sundowns and therefore we think they are a perfect opponent to play against.

“And there are several more reasons. There are partners that we do share.

“Redbull is engaged with Sundowns, Puma is engaged with Sundowns and I think they will be a big help to set up a tour in May.”