Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Lebohang Mokoena has dismissed concerns that Cassius Mailula struggled in Europe and tips the player to rediscover his spark at Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 25-year-old left Masandawana in July 2023 after just one season of playing Betway Premiership football and joined Major League Soccer outfit Toronto FC. But he found it difficult at the Canadian club, which at some point sent him to play for their reserves side.
A loan stint at Wydad Casablanca, as well as scoring a goal at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, provided some reprieve that the striker had picked himself up. That was followed by another loan move at Belgian side KV Kortrijk in a season they were promoted back into the Jupiler Pro League.
But Mailula managed just three appearances for Kortrijk, who then decided against exercising the option of switching the loan deal into a permanent transfer.
‘MAILULA CAN STILL GO BACK TO EUROPE’: LEBOHANG MOKOENA
Now a free agent, Mailula is training with Sundowns and is part of the group that is in Austria for pre-season camp. However, the Brazilians are yet to announce him as having returned for another spell at Chloorkop.
While there was criticism around Mailula joining an MLS team instead of going to Europe while he was on top of his game, Mokoena argues the move was a good transfer decision. He backs the striker to bounce back, should he play for Sundowns in the upcoming season.
“The move to Toronto was still a good move for me. I always want to see players progress. We always talk about leagues, but there is nothing wrong with any league that any player goes to,” Mokoena said in an interview with FARPost.
“For the player, it’s the experience that is mostly gained, and I think he has learnt a lot, especially in Europe. We can’t wait to see what he has got once he gets back with Kabo Yellow.
“Europe is Europe, he can go anytime to Europe. He can have a fantastic season and go back to Europe. So it didn’t really matter where he went. But at least he had an opportunity to go and experience.”
CAN MAMELODI SUNDOWNS ACCOMMODATE MAILULA?
The Brazilians already have top performers upfront, headlined by Brayan Leon who reached double figures last term despite arriving at the club midseason in January. Coach Miguel Cardoso also has Bafana Bafana forward Iqraaam Rayners, Lebo Mothiba and Arthur Sales as other number nine options.
However, Mailula can plug the gap left by Peter Shalulile, who has joined Tanzanian giants Young Africans.
“If I look at the players that Sundowns have upfront, I think they have quality forwards. There is Leon and Rayners who are there and Cassius is also part of that list,” Mokoena, who is also a former Sundowns player, added.
“I think Cash [Mailula] is back for Sundowns, he will fight really hard. I don’t think anyone is guaranteed regular game time at Sundowns. But I’m sure he will work hard so that he probably gets to start all the time.
“I love Cash so much, and he has shown us before he left that he is a quality player. In terms of his minutes, I think he will enjoy a lot of minutes at Sundowns based on the fact that Sundowns have a lot of games per season.
“So I think every player has been given a chance, as always at Sundowns. I don’t see why Cash is not going to get that opportunity. It’s about him raising his hand and ensuring that the Cash No Deposit is back. I’m sure Masandawana fans miss him very much.”
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