Newly-signed Toronto FC striker Cassius Mailula has penned a heartfelt farewell letter to his former side, Mamelodi Sundowns, following his switch to the Major League Soccer outfit.
The 22-year-old forward completed a surprising move to North America in a deal worth a reported R30 million, according to multiple reports. Mailula spent just one season with Bafana Ba Style after his promotion from the reserve side.
He did well enough to attract interest from Toronto, who compete in the Eastern Conference League along with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Olwethu Makhanya’s Philadelphia Union.
Mailula has thanked Masandawana for “taking care of him” during his nine-year stay at Chloorkop. He singled out Downs head coach Rulani Mokwena for helping him realise his dream to play in the first team and assisting him with an overseas move.
The Ga-Molepo-born also gave gratitude to the club’s president, chairman, coaches and players.
CASSIUS MAILULA PENS EMOTIONAL FAREWELL LETTER TO SUNDOWNS
“Sundowns, I want to take this opportunity to thank the President and Chairman for taking care of me for a whole 9 years at Sundowns,” he wrote on his Instagram account.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my family. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. To all the Mamelodi Sundowns academy coaches, thank you for helping me. And guiding me throughout my time at the academy.
“You mean so much to me because I wouldn’t be where I am today without you guys. Thank you so much, coach Rulani [Mokwena], for giving me the opportunity to play for Mamelodi Sundowns first team and for making my dream come true to play with my role model, Themba Zwane (Shikabala). And for even helping me to go play overseas, though I know it was a difficult decision to take.
“To my teammates and technical team, I really appreciate all the support you’ve given me to be myself and showcase my talent.
“You’re great human beings, and I will miss you guys a lot. I will miss mostly the changing room. Sundowns, you will always be in my heart wherever I go. Just know I will be supporting you guys”
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