Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the return of Bafana Bafana forward Cassius Mailula, who has rejoined the club after three years away and will now look to revive his career with the Tshwane giants.
The 25-year-old returns to The Brazilians following a spell with Major League Soccer side Toronto FC. His move brings an end to weeks of speculation that the attacker could make his way back to Masandawana.
Mailula left Mamelodi Sundowns for Toronto FC in July 2023, having established himself during a breakthrough 2022/23 season. He scored 16 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions during that campaign and emerged as one of South Africa’s most promising attacking players.
His return comes after the departure of Peter Shalulile and gives Sundowns another option in the final third as they prepare to compete on domestic and continental fronts. Mailula will compete for a place alongside Tashreeq Matthews, Iqraam Rayners and Brayan Leon.
“A familiar face returns to where it all began. Cassius Mailula is back in yellow, ready for a new chapter with The Brazilians. Masandawana, welcome him back in the comments,” Mamelodi Sundowns said on social media.
Mailula found regular opportunities difficult to secure after moving to Toronto FC, making only a handful of appearances for the Canadian club. He subsequently joined Wydad Casablanca on loan, where he worked under former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena.
The forward enjoyed a productive spell in Morocco, scoring important goals for the North African club. He then spent another period on loan in Belgium before completing his return to Sundowns after his Toronto FC contract came to an end.
The move represents an opportunity for Mailula to return to the club where he first made his name and re-establish himself as one of South Africa’s leading attacking talents.
Sundowns have been relatively quiet in the current transfer window. Their pre-season preparations were delayed following the untimely passing of midfielder Jayden Adams, which also meant they were unable to begin their Betway Premiership campaign last weekend.
Mailula’s arrival adds depth and greater attacking firepower to the Sundowns squad as the club resumes its preparations. He will hope to build on the form that made him such a standout performer in the 2022/23 campaign and make a sustained impact on his return to the Brazilians.
