By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club star Cassius Mailula has been unveiled by his new employers, Toronto FC in the Major League Soccer (MLS).
Mailula played twice for Bafana Bafana, tallied 15 goals and four assists in 31 matches for Mamelodi Sundowns across all competitions.
“Toronto FC announced that the club has acquired 22-year-old South African forward Cassius Mailula from Mamelodi Sundowns FC of the DStv Premiership (South Africa, First Division) through 2026 with an option for 2027. He will be added to the roster as a part of the U-22 Initiative, pending his medicals, work visa and the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC),” the MLS side confirmed on Friday.
NEWS | Toronto FC announced that the club has acquired 22-year-old South African forward Cassius Mailula from @Masandawana of the DStv Premiership. @RealMailula | #TFCLive
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) July 28, 2023
Toronto FC General Manager Jason Hernandez added: “We are very excited to welcome Cassius to our club and the city. He is a player that will bring a different dimension to our play on the pitch with his versatility, dynamic movement, and finishing ability with both feet.
“He will also provide us with a new young profile off the pitch, with his humility, grit, and ambition to reach the highest levels possible. We look forward to working with Cassius and are happy to have him in the TFC family.”
Toronto, with 10 games remaining in their 2023 campaign, are in danger of missing the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for a third straight year. They’re 14th in the Eastern Conference table at the Leagues Cup break, 11 points off the postseason pace.