Spanish giants Barcelona deny reports of friendly with Sundowns

Spanish giants FC Barcelona have distanced themselves from reports that they will be playing an exhibition against Mamelodi Sundowns in the next two weeks. 

Reports emerged on Friday afternoon that Sundowns officials were in Spain to finalize the friendly game for May 16, 2018 at the iconic FNB Stadium.

This was also confirmed by sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane in an exclusive interview with SABC Sport. 

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

Mosimane went further to reveal that the game against Barcelona would be a a great opportunity, not only for his players and the fans, but for the South African media as well.  

The news were also confirmed by Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe on Metro FM. 

However, according to Barcelona International Press Chief, who spoke to Goal correspondent Ignasi Oliva, there's no truth in reports that the first team will be travelling to South Africa this month.

The club's International Press Chief said there are no any other scheduled matches for the first team besides their remaining four league games against Real Madrid, Villarreal, Levante and Real Sociedad. 

Sundowns' Caf Champions League match against Horoya has since been moved to May 22, leaving room for Barcelona to possibly revisit South Africa. 

The match was initially scheduled for May 15, three days after Sundowns' final league match of the 2017/18 Premier Soccer League campaign.  

Barcelona's final match of the season is scheduled for May 20 against Real Sociedad, and although they have denied the reports, chances are that they could release a statement in the next few days. 

Reports suggest that they will leave Spain for South Africa immediately after their match against Levante on May 13 for their friendly match with the 2016 African champions. 

It remains to be seen if the two teams will finally reach an agreement for the said friendly, which could draw a lot of fans from across the African continent.