Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane remains firm and unapologetic regarding his decision to select Mamelodi Sundowns star Cassius Mailula for the national team.
The player affectionately known as ‘Cash Money’ rejoined Bafana Ba Style for a second spell this season, following stints abroad with Major League Soccer [MLS] side Toronto FC, Belgium’s KV Kortrijk, and Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.
Mailula has been in stellar form for Sundowns, consistently delivering standout performances and scoring crucial goals.
So far, the 25-year-old forward has hit the back of the net four times in 11 appearances across all competitions in Masandawana’s colours.
Despite his rapid rise prompting questions around his international readiness, Mosimane insists the forward’s inclusion is earned on merit.
Bafana assembled in Johannesburg on Sunday night ahead of their upcoming 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea this month.
South Africa will then wrap up its FIFA international window with a friendly match against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on October 4, 2026.
PITSO MOSIMANE STANDS FIRM ON CASSIUS MAILULA SELECTION
Speaking to the media, the former Al Ahly and Sundowns mentor highlighted his long-standing trust in young talent, citing his track record across previous coaching stints.
“I have always used young players. I used Daine Klate when he was 17. Cassius [Mailula] was with me in pre-season when he was 16, right? And probably some of you don’t know this,” Mosimane told reporters at the UJ grounds in Auckland Park.
Mosimane also dismissed suggestions that he needed to defend the player’s call-up, pointing directly to Mailula’s current output on the pitch.
“I have seen what I have seen, you know? So, it’s not for me to justify that Cassius must be here. He’s doing it week in and week out, right?
“I’m happy, you know; I’m not surprised why he’s here because the boy is playing well, scoring, and helping Mamelodi Sundowns at the highest level,” he added.
Mailula’s inclusion adds quality to the Bafana attack as Mosimane continues to blend proven experience with high-performing youth in the national setup.
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