Mamelodi Sundowns forward Cassius Mailula has bid farewell as he edges closer to finalising a move to the US Major League Soccer.
Mailula is reportedly on his way to joining Major Soccer League side Toronto FC in the USA.
The 22-year-old paid a visit to his former academy, Limpopo Sports School of Excellence in Polokwane on Thursday. He was accompanied by his mother, Pinky Mailula.
Although the DStv Premiership young player confirmed that he is leaving Sundowns, he declined to talk or confirm his next destination saying all will be officially announced soon.
CASSIUS MAILULA BIDS FAREWELL TO HIS FORMER ACADEMY
“I also didn’t expect this would be possible, but by God’s grace, I think this is the right time. When God has opened doors for you, nobody can close them,” said Mailula.
“So it’s just for me to take this opportunity and grab it with both hands. To also go there and work hard. I can not skip a lot of counties to go there and play around, I have to know that I am respecting the country and my family. This will be good for me to grow and to challenge myself,” he said.
GRATEFUL FOR THE MAMELODI SUNDOWNS OPPORTUNITY
Mailula, who hails from Ga-Molepo in Limpopo, says he is forever grateful to the Sundowns family and the academy in Polokwane.
“I just want to say to the president and the chairman, coach Rulani [Mokwena] has played a huge role in helping me to be the player I am. The whole technical team. I just want to appreciate them for everything they have done for me and also to thank coach Hendrick [Mukwevho] for always reminding me that I must also work hard.
“Telling me that I must always remember that I was not doing this for myself but for the academy and my family. I want to thank them for everything that they have done for me, for always being hard on myself so that I behave and take care of myself. For actually helping me to be a great human being.”
In addition, the Bafana Bafana attacker said that he will carry with him all the life lessons from Masandawana wherever he goes.
At Sundowns, Mailula scored 15 goals and provided four assists in all competitions. The 2022/23 season was his first in the professional ranks. He also walked away with the PSL Young Player of the Season award.
“All the things I learned there [at Mamelodi Sundowns] is to be a great human being and respect other people. That’s one thing that I will always be grateful for. I will miss the fans also, I want to thank them for helping me to be the person that I am.
“For the support during the good and difficult times. It has never been easy, but with them supporting me and cheering my name has been unbelievable.”
RELATED STORY: Who are Toronto FC? Mailula’s possible destination
