Ex-MLS star ‘Dipsy’ Selolwane offers words of wisdom to Mailula

Former Major League Soccer [MLS] star Diphetogo ‘Dipsy’ Selolwane has offered words of wisdom to Cassius Mailula, who has been a pale shadow of himself since leaving Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mailula left Sundowns in July 2023 to join Toronto FC in the Eastern Conference of the MLS. The 23-year-old left at a time when he was considered one of South Africa’s finest prospects.

That was after being voted the SA elite league’s Young Player of the Season for the 2022/23 campaign, which was his debut in the DStv Premiership.

And since he left Sundowns, he has been a pale shadow of himself. Meanwhile, has struggled for game time. He made six appearances with two goals to his name in all competitions.

DIPSY’S WORDS OF ADVICE TO THE FORMER MAMELODI SUNDOWNS STAR

And Selolwane who spent some time in the MLS after starting his career at Botswana’s Gaborone United, has some advice for Mailula. “The game in America is more scientific and athletic. It’s not just about how good you’re with the ball, the skills and dribbles,” Selolwane told FARPost.

“He has to know that. You can be good with the ball, but there are key aspects that you must grasp to survive in America.

“For example, if you are 1.6 metres tall, you will be expected to jump 2.2 metres high. If you are 1.8 metres high, they may expect you to complete a 100-metre sprint in 10 seconds. They are very practical in their approach, and those aspects are very important in Major League Soccer.

“So as a rising star, the sooner he understands those concepts, the better. But we all have to be patient with him. It’s not too late.

“We have to tell good stories about him. He is young and he will definitely rise and be a star in the MLS. He is ultimately good with the ball.”

HOW ‘DIPSY’ SELOLWANE FARED IN THE MLS

Besides, Selolwane remains one of Botswana’s finest footballers in history. After playing for Gaborone United, he moved to St Louis, United States, in 2000 to study at Harris-Stowe University.

Furthermore, he was scouted by the Chicago Fire while playing college football. In 2001, he joined Danish club Vejle BK. Thereafter, he was back in Chicago when Vejle were relegated at the end of that season.

In addition, he went on to spend four years in MLS, at Chicago and later Real Salt Lake, before he came to South Africa to join Santos.

That was followed by spells at Jomo Cosmos before he joined Ajax Cape Town early in 2008. He moved to Supersport United in 2010.

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