Former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Cassius Mailula has explained why he opted for a loan transfer to Belgian second-tier side KV Kortrijk.
Following a rapid rise in his career, highlighted by chasing the PSL Golden Boot in his debut top-flight league season and breaking into the Bafana Bafana fold, Mailula attracted the interest of Major League Soccer outfit Toronto FC.
But his move to North America was marked by a surprise setback after he was sent to play for Toronto’s reserve side. That was followed by a loan transfer to Wydad Casablanca who took him to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup where he scored a goal in three appearances.
Featuring on the global stage saw the 24-year-old being linked with a big move to Europe amid reports of massive interest in his services. Surprisingly, Mailula was loaned out by Toronto to Kortrijk who ply their trade in the Belgian Second Division, another decision viewed by some as steps back in his career.
But the player has moved in to justify why he chose to go to Kortrijk.
WHY DID MAILULA CHOOSE TO JOIN A BELGIAN LOWER-TIER SIDE?
“I feel very happy to be here finally. I think the wait was worth it and I can’t wait to get started,” Mailula told Kortrijk TV.
“The reason I chose KV Kortrijk is mainly because it is in Europe and that’s also my dream. I want to play for a big club in Europe and this is a good stepping stone for me to take my career further to a higher level.
“Also, the team will give me a chance to get back to Bafana Bafana, the South African national team. I’m really impressed with the way the team plays. It’s something that made me choose this club, they have a winning mentality.
“My ambition here, firstly, is to get back to the First Division with the club and also have as many goals throughout the season and also many assists, that’s my goal. I didn’t just come here for a holiday. I came here to work hard and to represent my family and also my country.
“It means a lot for me to be here, and I know there are a lot of kids who would take this opportunity with both hands.”
Mailula lost his Bafana spot after joining Toronto FC, with national team coach Hugo Broos not an admirer of MLS.
He arrived in Belgium last week and could make his Kortrijk debut after the current FIFA international break, hoping to catch the attention of Broos ahead of the 2025 AFCON finals.
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