Sundowns draw with Hertha in first pre-season game
Sundowns draw with Hertha in first pre-season game as Mamelodi Sundowns opened their pre-season preparations with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against German second-division club Hertha Berlin during their Austria training camp on Tuesday. The encounter marked the Brazilians’ first friendly ahead of another demanding campaign, with new faces, returning players, and several senior stars all getting valuable minutes.
The result offered Miguel Cardoso an encouraging first assessment of his squad as they prepare for domestic, continental and international competitions, including the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Despite falling behind in the first half, Sundowns responded positively to secure a deserved draw against an experienced European side.
Mamelodi Sundowns begin Austria training camp positively
The Mamelodi Sundowns squad arrived in Austria later than originally planned after the tragic passing of midfielder Jayden Adams forced the club to postpone its departure. Players and staff remained in South Africa to attend Adams’ memorial service before travelling to Europe to continue preparations for the new season.
Their delayed arrival also meant a scheduled friendly against Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg had to be postponed. Nevertheless, the Brazilians quickly shifted their attention to Hertha Berlin, making the most of their first opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition.
The Austria training camp remains an important part of Sundowns’ preparations, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate fitness levels, integrate new signings and build tactical cohesion before competitive football resumes.
Hertha Berlin strike first in entertaining pre-season friendly
The Pre-season friendly began at a lively pace, with both sides looking to control possession and create attacking opportunities. Hertha Berlin entered the contest full of confidence after recording several victories during their own pre-season programme.
The German outfit eventually took the lead shortly before halftime when Leon Jensen capitalised on uncertainty inside the Sundowns penalty area. A dangerous delivery into the six-yard box was not properly cleared, allowing Jensen to volley the ball home and give Hertha a deserved advantage.
Although disappointed to concede, Sundowns responded with composure rather than panic.
Just minutes after falling behind, the South African champions found an equaliser through one of their returning players. Full-back Akhanyile Norwana, back at the club following a successful loan spell at the University of Pretoria, made an excellent run into the area before finishing confidently to level matters.
In another version of the match report, new signing Antonio van Wyk was credited with scoring after reacting quickest to a rebound, highlighting the attacking threat Sundowns possess heading into the new campaign.
Regardless of the final attribution, Sundowns entered halftime with momentum after restoring parity before the break.
Miguel Cardoso rotates entire squad
One of the biggest talking points during the match was Miguel Cardoso’s decision to make wholesale changes at halftime.
The Portuguese coach started several experienced internationals, including Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners, while captain Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau and veteran midfielder Themba Zwane began on the bench.
Following the interval, Cardoso introduced an entirely different team, giving virtually every available player an opportunity to impress.
The approach demonstrated that the result itself was secondary to evaluating player fitness, tactical discipline and squad depth.
Among those receiving second-half minutes was striker Cassius Mailula, who recently returned after his spell with Toronto FC ended. His reintroduction adds another attacking option for Sundowns as they prepare for another demanding season.
Strong performances from new signings
The Austria training camp has also provided an early glimpse of Sundowns’ newest arrivals.
Antonio van Wyk featured prominently during the encounter and immediately looked comfortable alongside his new teammates. His energetic movement and attacking instincts gave the coaching staff encouraging signs for the months ahead.
Bennet Mokoena also continued building on his impressive form after previously scoring against Bundesliga side RB Leipzig at the end of last season.
With competition for places expected to be fierce, performances during these friendlies could play an important role in determining Cardoso’s preferred starting lineup when the new campaign begins.
Hertha Berlin provide quality opposition
Facing Hertha Berlin presented an ideal early challenge for the South African champions.
Although currently competing in Germany’s second division, Hertha remain one of the country’s most respected football clubs and possess significant experience at the highest level.
The German side had entered the fixture after victories over Lokomotive Leipzig, Lichtenberg and Frohnauer during pre-season, making Sundowns’ draw an encouraging result.
Both teams created opportunities throughout the contest, but disciplined defending and several good saves ensured neither side could find a winning goal during the second half.
Lessons learned ahead of busy season
The draw gave Sundowns several positives while also highlighting areas requiring further improvement.
Defensively, the coaching staff will analyse the lapse that allowed Hertha to open the scoring. Better organisation inside the penalty area will be essential once competitive fixtures begin.
Offensively, however, Sundowns demonstrated their trademark patience and ability to respond under pressure. Their quick equaliser reflected the team’s resilience and attacking quality.
Cardoso will also be pleased with the fitness levels displayed by his squad despite the disruption caused by the delayed start to their European preparations.
Another important test awaits
The Austria training camp continues later this week when Sundowns face Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal.
The match promises another high-quality examination for the CAF Champions League winners as they continue preparing for an exciting season that includes domestic competitions, continental commitments and international tournaments.
Each friendly allows Cardoso to experiment with different tactical systems while ensuring every player gains valuable match sharpness.
The technical team is expected to continue rotating the squad heavily as they carefully manage workloads during pre-season.
FIFA Intercontinental Cup motivation
Winning the CAF Champions League has earned Sundowns another opportunity to compete on the international stage.
Participation in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup means preparations during the Austria training camp carry even greater importance.
The club aims to compete successfully against elite opposition while maintaining its dominance in South African football.
Building squad chemistry now could prove decisive when competitive matches begin.
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Positive beginning despite difficult circumstances
Considering the emotional challenges surrounding Jayden Adams’ passing and the delayed start to pre-season, Sundowns draw with Hertha in first pre-season game represents a positive beginning for the club’s preparations.
The performance showed encouraging signs from experienced stars, returning players and new signings alike, while Miguel Cardoso successfully gave nearly his entire squad valuable competitive minutes.
Although the result will not define the season, it provides a strong platform for continued improvement as Sundowns build towards another campaign filled with high expectations.
With another demanding fixture against Al Hilal approaching, the Brazilians will look to build on this encouraging display before returning home ready to challenge for every available trophy.
As preparations continue, supporters will be encouraged that Sundowns draw with Hertha in first pre-season game has provided both optimism and valuable lessons ahead of what promises to be another exciting season for the reigning South African champions.
References from mainstream media
- Kick Off – Van Wyk off the mark in Sundowns’ first friendly
https://www.kickoff.com/psl/mamelodi-sundowns/club-friendly-match-report-mamelodi-sundowns-v-hertha-berlin - Flashscore News – Hertha Berlin v Mamelodi Sundowns match information and live coverage
https://www.flashscore.co.za/match/soccer/hertha-berlin-2y0u8Wrq/mamelodi-sundowns-lxZ6Bzh6/ - GOAL South Africa – Mamelodi Sundowns poised for European pre-season preparations
https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/mamelodi-sundowns-poised-for-european-pre-season-to-prepare-for-the-2026-27-premier-soccer-league-season-and-defence-of-their-caf-champions-league-crown/blt1d275963e2b9b3a4
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