Mamelodi Sundowns have announced that their U15 boys will fly to Europe to participate in Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne's tournament later this year.
The story
Sundowns' U15 side have been handed perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete alongside a range of aspiring talents at the 2023 Kevin De Bruyne Cup, which will take place in Belgium between 10 and 11 June.
The junior tournament is partly organised by Roc Nations Sports International, the Jay-Z-owned label representing both the Brazilians and the Belgian midfielder.
After its inauguration in 2016, this year's event will be the first to host teams from outside Europe, with youngsters from South America and Africa now set to partake in the showpiece.
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The two-time English Premier League Player of The Season said that he was delighted at the opportunity to meet the Masandawana boys, who will be the first African side to play at the competition.
“It’s a proud moment for me to welcome Mamelodi Sundowns as the first African team to participate in the tournament," De Bruyne said, according to Sundownsfc.co.za.
"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 can’t wait to see our South African friends in June. Best of luck!”
Club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe also 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-15s.”
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Did you know?
Some of Europe's top talents right now have previously played at this tournament including Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala, FC Barcelona duo Ansu Fati and Eric Garcia, as well as Chelsea's new €35 million (R666 million) signing Noni Madueke.
Also, teams who will take part include Barca, Bayern, Man City, Real Madrid, Club Brugge, RB Leipzig, Palmeiras, KAA Gent, and Odense Boldklub.
Your thoughts, please?
How well do you think the Downs' youngsters will do at the tournament?
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