Major League Soccer-bound forward Cassius Mailula has revealed the one thing he will miss the most at Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 22-year-old has joined MLS side Toronto FC in a three-year deal, reportedly worth R30 million. Mailula’s contract has the option to extend for a further season.
Mailula is still in South Africa finalising his paperwork before he heads to North America.
Toronto have also reportedly loaned out Ayo Akinola to open up an international roster spot in exchange, which they will fill with the Bafana Bafana player.
WHAT CASSIUS MAILULA WILL MISS AT MASANDAWANA
Speaking to FARPost during his recent visit to his former academy in Limpopo, Mailula said the bond with the Sundowns fans is something he will miss the most.
“The signing [with the fans] after the games. I think the fans are amazing, and I will always miss that,” he said. “There is a song that they sing for me. So for me, that gives me an amazing feeling.”
“Even the change rooms, the guys are amazing. How we are United, the love there, it’s out of this world, that’s why I think it’s one the best clubs in Africa. Those guys [at Sundowns] work hard, they help each other, and they are great human beings.
“That’s one of the reasons why the team is always successful is because the players always put the team first. It’s one thing that will help me going forward to know that whenever you get into the pitch, you are not playing for yourself because there are top players there,” added Mailula.
NO EASY GOING AT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
“You have to compete and work hard for your place, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. You can see even now at the club the competition is going to be tight and you have to work hard. It doesn’t matter if you come from a different country; you have to earn your place in the team.
“That’s one thing that I will always remember, you always have to work hard for your place. I always work hard to be where I am and to be able to get that opportunity,” he said.
“So I will miss a lot of things at the club because it’s a team that built me and helped me to grow from the academy, my development. So, it will always be a special place for me, and I hope one day, by God’s grace, I come back and finish my career there.”
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