Mamelodi Sundowns have announced their starting line-up for the pre-season friendly against German Bundesliga 2 side Hertha BSC Berlin in Austria.
Sundowns arrived in Austria two days ago after sad passing of midfielder Jaydan Adams, with the team attending the player’s memorial service before departing for pre-season.
But with the new league campaign just two weeks away, Masandawana have to wipe the tears and continue with their preparations for the upcoming campaign.
Sundowns have a lot at stake this season, as they will be competing in a possible eight tournaments – the Betway Premiership, the MTN8, The Carling Knockout, the Nedbank Cup, the CAF Super Cup, the CAF Champions League, the African–Asian–Pacific Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Miguel Cardoso’s men haven’t been much active in the transfer window so far, but did confirm the signings of Antonio Van Wyk and Siyanda Ndlovu, while parting ways with striker Peter Shalulile.
Meanwhile, Tuesday’s opponents Hertha Berlin missed promotion last season after finishing in seventh place in Bundesliga 2. They will kickoff their season in the first week of August.
This pre-season friendly gives them a different dimension when it comes to style of play. Sundowns already managed a win against RB Leipzig in friendly match two months ago.
The match kicked off at 17:00, and it’s 1-1 at half-time, with Antonio Van Wyk equalising for Masandawana in the 41st minute – two minutes after the Bundesliga 2 side netted the opener.
Here is how they line up:
Sundowns XI: Onyango, Johannes, Lunga, Kekana, Norawana, Modiba, T. Mokoena, Van Wyk, Letlhaku, Rayners, B. Mokoena
Hertha XI: Goller, Jensen, Gronning, Mamuzah Lum, Winkler, Thorsteinsson, Dardai, Berner, Telib, Grothe, Diallo