South African footballer Cassius Mailula is thrilled to be back in the national team setup, reunited with coach Pitso Mosimane, who first spotted him at the age of 16. Mailula's return to Bafana Bafana comes after a challenging three-year stint abroad, playing in the US's Major League Soccer, Morocco, and Belgium. Despite the difficulties, Mailula remains determined to prove his talent and ability.
Mailula's journey abroad did not yield the expected results, but he has regained form with Mamelodi Sundowns under coach Miguel Cardoso. His performances have earned him a recall to the national team, and he is eager to make an impact. Mosimane, who has taken Bafana through their paces at the University of Johannesburg's sports fields, has a squad packed with talent and potential.
Mosimane's opening assignment is Saturday's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifier against Guinea at Orlando Stadium. Mailula, now 25, believes that his experiences abroad have ignited his hunger to play and help his team win games. He has always believed he belongs in the national team due to his quality and is happy to be working with a coach who knows him.
Mailula's breakthrough season in 2022-23 saw him attract overseas interest, scoring 15 goals in 34 games for Sundowns. However, his stint in Canada with Toronto FC was marked by limited game time, scoring only two goals in eight games. He later improved his form with Wydad Casablanca in Morocco, scoring six goals in 36 games.
Mailula's loan spell at KV Kortrijk in Belgium's top-flight was limited to just three appearances. Despite the setbacks, he never lost hope of a Bafana comeback. Mailula found out about the call-up while in camp with Sundowns and was overjoyed, especially knowing that Mosimane believes in him.
Mosimane first drafted Mailula into his Sundowns preseason squad in 2017, recognizing his potential as a teenager. The forward's form also earned recognition from previous Bafana coach Hugo Broos. Mailula is set to feature in the upcoming qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, determined to make a lasting impact.
With his reunion with Mosimane and a renewed sense of purpose, Mailula aims to help Bafana achieve success in the upcoming qualifiers. His determination and hunger to play will be crucial in the team's quest for victory.
Key points
- Cassius Mailula is eager to prove himself under coach Pitso Mosimane, who recognized his potential at 16.
- Mailula's experiences abroad have ignited his hunger to play and help his team win games.
- Mosimane has taken Bafana through their paces at the University of Johannesburg's sports fields, preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
