Mamelodi Sundowns to face Barcelona at FNB Stadium

Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns will host Spanish champions Barcelona in a friendly match at the FNB Stadium on 16 May.

The two sides have previously met in 2007 when the Catalans came from a goal down to beat Masandawana 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium when goals by Santiago Ezquerro and Marc Crosas cancelled out Suprise Moriri’s opener.

In the first encounter, Barca was coached by Frank Rijkaard with superstars likes Victor Valdes‚ Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o while Lionel Messi didn’t make the trip due to contractual issues.

Meanwhile, Sundowns were coached by Gordon Igesund with players like Moriri, Godfrey Sapula and Brian Baloyi in his squad.

However, it remains unclear whether or not the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho will make the trip, with the World Cup coming up next month.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane insists that the game against Barcelona is an opportunity of a lifetime, not only for the players but for the club and the supporters.

‘I think we are humbled with that; it’s an opportunity of a lifetime that we cannot take for granted,’ Mosimane said.