Why Cassius Mailula should be in Bafana Bafana squad for AFCON qualifiers

Otis Ntshangase14 February 2023Last Updated: 18 December 2024

2 minutes read

Cassius Mailula celebrates after scoring a goal in the DStv Premiership — Cassius Mailula

If there’s one player that deserves a Bafana Bafana call up for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers in March, it has to be Mamelodi Sundowns young attacker Cassius Mailula.

The young sensation has really impressed in his debut season in the PSL; DStv Premiership. Cassius Mailula has been giving many teams a hard time; a headache to defenders.

FARPost writer, Otis Ntshangase looks at four reasons why Bafana Bafana mentor Hugo Broos should include Mailula for the two crucial AFCON qualifiers against Liberia.

The games will be played during the Fifa international break from March 20 to 28.

GOALSCORER

Mailula has proved to be a quality, consistent and a reliable striker. He has been key in Sundowns’ attack this season and held the fort when talisman Peter Shalulile was injured.

The young attacker has made 16 appearances in all competitions and has been directly involved in 13 goals. He scored 10 and provided three assists.

Cassius Mailula, who should make Bafana’s AFCON qualifiers squad with his MOTM award he won against Orlando Pirates — Cassius Mailula poses with a DStv Premiership MOTM Award

Of late, the national team was struggling to find the back of the net up until their last four friendly matches. In those matches they scored eight goals.

HE IS YOUNG

The striker is aged 21. Mentor Hugo Broos once stated that he wants to build his team around young talent that will help Bafana Bafana in future.

Some youngsters who were in top form in their respective clubs were eventually called to represent the nation. These include players like Lyle Foster, Njabulo Blom, Luke le Roux and Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

GOOD WORK ETHIC AND DISCIPLINED

The red-hot star has a good work ethic. Mailula has proved that in many matches, he’s not the kind of striker who just stays up in front and wait for the ball.

He is a hard worker, he drops back and to help the team when they are out of possession.

To add, Mailula is well disciplined in the field. In 16 appearances he has made for Masandawana he has not been cautioned; no yellow card or red card.

EXPOSURE

The Sundowns academy graduate has already been exposed to high profile matches in both the league and in the CAF Champions league.

He scored the winning goals against Orlando Pirates and Al-Hilal of Sudan as they won both matches with 1-0 scorelines respectively.