Mamelodi Sundowns Transfer News: Prodigal son back home? SA star training with Downs

Mamelodi Sundowns fell short in the race for the Premier Soccer League title last season, as Orlando Pirates staged a brave and consistent fight to end their 14-year drought.

Masandawana had also failed to deliver in the other domestic competitions – MTN8, Carling Knockout, and the Nedbank Cup. Internationally, they went all the way to win the CAF Champions League after a 2-1 aggregate win over Botola Pro League outfit AS FAR Rabat.

Coach Miguel Cardoso and the club’s technical team are now working on improving the squad. So far, they have brought in Antonio van Wyk from Austria’s Bundesliga outfit SV Ried, as well as Siyanda Ndlovu, who was at Golden Arrows last season. Shockingly, the club opted against extending the contract of their veteran striker Peter Shalulile.

Most recent reports now indicate that the Brazilians are on the verge of reuniting with their former attacker Cassius Mailula, who has been training with the team for some time now.

Mailula, the return of the prodigal son?

“Personal terms have been agreed upon, with the player expected to travel with the squad for their upcoming pre-season tour in Austria,” KickOff reported.

“The Bafana Bafana international is aiming to rediscover the blistering form that defined his breakout spell with the Brazilians. Mailula has been spotted at Mamelodi Sundowns’ pre-season training sessions this week, fueling heavy speculation regarding an imminent return to the Betway Premiership champions,” they added.

Mailula left Sundowns for the Major League Soccer (MLS) side Toronto FC at the beginning of the 2023/24 season after delivering in his debut campaign with Sundowns under the then coach Rulani Mokwena.

However, the now 25-year-old, who scored 15 goals and provided four assists for Masandawana, did not flourish in the MLS, prompting him to switch. He served Wydad Athletic Club on loan as well as Belgian Pro League KV Kortrijk before his potential return to the Premier Soccer League.