Earlier, it became known that Barcelona, Real Madrid, KAA Gent, Club Brugge, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG and Odense BK will be part of the sixth edition of the KDB Cup 2023 (10 and 11 June) in Drongen.
The Dutch Ajax we don't really need to imagine. The Amsterdam superpower is and will remain, also due to its connection with the late Johan Cruijff, a talent factory. In 2022, they came to the KDB Cup for the first time, where the coach and players were impressed by the high level and professional surroundings. The introduction then ended in sixth place, but with Emre Ünüvar they did count the tournament's top shooter in their ranks. Immediately, they pledged to participate this year.
With RB Leipzig we get a new name. Energy they will exude anyway, hopefully they can also put winged and attractive play on the mat. The Germans - founded as a club only in 2009 - have been trying to close the gap with established names genre Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen or Borussia Dortmund since their promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2016/17 season.
Mamelodi Sundowns, is the exotic name of the team that will descend on Ghent from South Africa. Their base of operations is in Pretoria. And possibly a nice conversation is feasible, because with 'that friendly language' (South African) there are many familiar words compared to Dutch. We are curious to see what sporting and tactical variations they will throw up against opponents unknown to them.
From SE Palmeiras We then expect another helping of samba football, as befits true Brazilians. The South Americans from São Paulo, nicknamed the green parakeets, can boast a fine record. Eleven titles and four cups, that's something to show off. Gabriel Jesus, under contract at Arsenal since last summer after the striker moved from Palmeiras to Manchester City in 2017, is a fine example of the excellent youth training at the Periquito Verde.