African champions Mamelodi Sundowns came from behind to draw with German side Hertha Berlin 1-1 at the Union Mondsee Arena in Austria on Tuesday, with Cassius Mailula featuring for the club.
This was Sundowns’ first match since the friendly with RB Leipzig just after the conclusion of the previous season – and also the first since the sad passing of Antonio van Wyk.
The side was due to travel to Austria earlier this month but had to put everything on hold following the passing of the Bafana Bafana midfielder on 11 July.
Meanwhile coach Miguel Cardoso started youngsters Bennet Mokoena and Akhanyile Norowana in the match. The two are protégés from the Brazilians reserve side though Mokoena had previously played two official matches with the first team.
It was the Bundesliga 2 side that took the lead in the 39th minute through Leon Jensen, while new signing Van Wyk scored the equaliser two minutes later.
Cardoso fielded a completely new team in the second half that also included new signing Mailula who has returned to the club after a two season absence, having transferred to Toronto FC in the MLS in 2023. Sundowns, though, are yet to officially announce his return.
Sundowns line-ups:
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