Antonio van Wyk explains why he left European football for Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns’ new signing Antonio van Wyk says he returned from European football because joining the reigning PSL champions gives him the best opportunity to win trophies and take the next step in his career.

The 24-year-old attacker spent the past two seasons with Austrian club SV Ried, having moved to Europe from Stellenbosch FC in 2024.

Van Wyk believes the decision to leave Austria and join Sundowns was driven by the club’s record of competing for major honours and regularly adding silverware to its collection. He said that ambition was an important factor as he looks to become a more decorated player.

“I would say the history of the club, trophies as well. It’s guaranteed that this team will win a trophy or two every season,” Van Wyk said during the interview with Sundowns Pitchside Podcast.

“Obviously that’s a big aspect, as a player you obviously wanna be a decorated player in terms of trophies and numbers as well.

“So, I thought to help my game, I’m going to have to take the next step. And if it’s not in Europe, it should be the African champions.”

Van Wyk’s move brings him back to South Africa after his spell with SV Ried, where he experienced a different football environment and adapted to life in another country.

He said his time in Europe provided valuable lessons away from the pitch, particularly in dealing with a new culture and communicating with teammates whose backgrounds differed from his own.

“I’d say different culture, we have our own culture here in South Africa,” he added

“There, it’s way different. Also being on the field communicating with players, it’s way different.

“That aspect and also the physicality of where I was, was quite strenuous on the body.”

The physical demands of European football were another significant part of Van Wyk’s development. He described the challenges he faced each week as strenuous and said the experience had helped him grow as a player.

His return to the Betway Premiership now places him at Mamelodi Sundowns, a club he believes combines a strong history with a consistent expectation of winning. Van Wyk sees that environment as the right setting for his ambitions, with trophies and improved personal numbers central to his decision.

Rather than continuing his career in Europe, he chose what he described as the next step available to him in Africa. His explanation makes clear that the move was not simply a return home, but an attempt to join a side he expects to challenge for honours every season.

Van Wyk is now preparing to continue his career with the reigning PSL champions after two seasons at SV Ried and his earlier time with Stellenbosch FC.