Casius Mailula: Is it time for ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star to return home?

Published on by Joel Oliver

The 23-year-old has struggled for game time since moving to Toronto on the back of good PSL season

Former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Casius Mailula could be on his way back to the PSL if his frustrations at MLS side Toronto FC continue.

Mailula has barely had a look in at the club, with his last appearance coming on June 16, when he only got seven minutes off the bench, fueling rumours of an exit from Toronto.

The attacker had the world at his feet during his maiden season in the PSL, the 2022-23 campaign, when he seemed to get everything right.

He scored 15 goals and provided four assists in all competitions and went on to win the PSL Player of the Year Award. By that time, his stock had risen significantly and was attracting interest from Europe.

There was plenty of push for Mailula to make the jump while others, like Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, advised him against such an early move as it would prove costly.

The 23-year-old failed to listen to wise counsel

The attacker made the move anyway, signing a three-year deal with Toronto until 2026, with the option for another.

However, Broos’ words have turned out to be true as Mailula has become a bit-part player who rarely gets into the matchday squad.

He has made just seven appearances since joining in July 2023, four starts, managing two goals for his new club.

Mailula’s debut appearance came in August but an injury soon after forced him out until October, when he played back-to-back games and he had to wait until April this year for his fourth match at the club.

One match in April, two in May and one in June have since followed for Mailula who has not been in the matchday squad more than he has been on the bench, a worrying statistic for the 23-year-old.

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Should Cassius Mailua return to South Africa now?

As it is, it seems coach John Herdman still does not trust him and the result is a frustrating stay at the Canadian club.

Mailula therefore risks seeing his career go to waste when it has just started and would be better off seeking opportunities elsewhere.

The most realistic option would be to leave at the end of the current season on loan to kick start his career and a return to South Africa cannot be ruled out.

Given his quality, Mailula would not be short of suitors if he opted to return home as Sundowns would jump at an opportunity to re-sign him while clubs like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates could also benefit from his goals and assists.  

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Joel Oliver

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.