Former Sundowns star Cassius Mailula reflects on his MLS debut
Former Mamelodi Sundowns sensation Cassius Mailula has reflected on his debut in the Major League Soccer [MLS] for Toronto FC.
The Bafana Bafana star was thrown into the fray in the second half, in a match Toronto FC crumbled like a deck of cards at the hands of Columbus Crew on Sunday.
They, Toronto FC, lost 2-0, and Mailula was the first to admit that there is a lot to do to lift the team. Diego Rossi and Jacen Russell-Rowe got the all-important goals for Columbus Crew at home.
Mailula almost scored after being introduced in the 64th minute for Lorenzo Insigne but the Columbus Crew goalkeeper saved.
WHAT MAILULA LEARNED ON HIS MLS DEBUT
Nevertheless, the 22-year-old is itching for better strides as Toronto FC hope to turn a corner in this campaign.
“First of all, I would like to thank the team and the coach for the opportunity. It felt great to understand how it is in the MLS and how it feels to play away,” said Mailula.
“I think it was going to be great if I scored by giving myself confidence and lifting the team as well.
“As a forward, I always get myself chances by being in the right positions. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be.
“It wasn’t easy, but I am happy that I got to feel the pitch. I’m able to play anywhere in the front three.
“We need someone who is going hold the ball upfront. I feel we can do better if we have someone like that,” Mailula said.
PLAYING WITH FEDERICO BERNARDESCHI
The former Mamelodi Sundowns ace feels he can form a formidable combination with Italian star Federico Bernardeschi.
But according to him, it solely depends on the amount of game time they get to play side by side.
“It was good, we need a little bit of time to gel. I think we can create something for the team if we have so much time together,” he added.
“One thing the team has to work on is limiting mistakes. It’s something that we can solve.
“We will have to push. Right now, we are focusing on just getting the first three points, and everything will follow. I’m glad that I learnt a lot so far.”
Toronto FC coach Terry Dunfield was impressed by how Mailula applied himself after being introduced.
“What a start that would have been to his TFC [Toronto FC] career. In open play and transition, he was excellent.
“He protects the ball well when he receives between lines. And the more training he gets under his belt, the more we’ll see a little bit of sharpness in and around the box.
“He worked hard to step out and press defensively at times and reorganize and give Themi [Antonoglou] a hand. Overall, it was a pleasing debut,” he said.
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