Mamelodi Sundowns fight back to draw with Hertha Berlin in emotional first match since Van Wyk death

African champions Mamelodi Sundowns came from behind to draw 1-1 with German side Hertha Berlin in Austria, in their first match since the death of midfielder Antonio van Wyk.

The Betway Premiership holders, currently in pre-season, faced the Bundesliga 2 club at the Union Mondsee Arena on Tuesday, with returning forward Cassius Mailula featuring after a two-year spell abroad.

The friendly was Sundowns’ first outing since they played RB Leipzig at the end of last season – and their first appearance since the “sad passing” of Van Wyk on 11 July, which forced the club to delay their trip to Austria.

Emotional return to action

Sundowns had been scheduled to travel to their European training camp earlier in the month, but their plans were put on hold as the club and South African football community mourned the Bafana Bafana midfielder.

The club resumed preparations this week, with new head coach Miguel Cardoso naming a youthful starting XI against Hertha.

He handed starts to youngsters Bennet Mokoena and Akhanyile Norowana, both promoted from Sundowns’ reserve team. Mokoena had already made two official senior appearances before this match, while Norowana was given a chance to impress from the outset.

Despite the emotional backdrop, Sundowns produced a competitive display against the German side, using the match to blend established stars, new signings and academy graduates.

Goals in quick succession

Hertha Berlin went in front in the 39th minute through Leon Jensen, capitalising on their pressure late in the first half.

But Sundowns responded almost immediately.

Just two minutes later, new signing Van Wyk – not to be confused with the late Antonio van Wyk – struck the equaliser, ensuring the African champions went into the break level at 1-1.

Cardoso used the fixture to test his squad depth, and the second half saw an entirely new XI introduced as Sundowns continued to build fitness and cohesion ahead of the new campaign.

Mailula plays on quiet return

The second-half team included Cassius Mailula, who has rejoined Sundowns after two seasons in Major League Soccer with Toronto FC, having moved to Canada in 2023.

Mailula’s appearance in Austria comes even though Sundowns have yet to formally announce his return to the club. The 23-year-old forward had previously emerged as one of Sundowns’ most exciting attacking talents before his move to MLS.

The second period ended without further goals, but it allowed Cardoso to assess Mailula and fellow squad members in a competitive environment.

Full line-ups used by Sundowns

Cardoso split his side into two separate line-ups for each half:

First half: Onyango; Johannes, Lunga, Kekana, Norawana; Modiba, T. Mokoena, Van Wyk; Letlhaku, Rayners, B. Mokoena.

Second half: Pieterse; Khoza, Mvala, Mdunyelwa, Basadien; Sibiya, G. Kekana, Mkhulise; Matthews, Mailula, Mothiba.

The 1-1 draw marks an important step in Sundowns’ pre-season schedule as they seek to regroup after a period of mourning, integrate new players and sharpen their squad ahead of domestic and continental commitments.