Bafana Bafana forward Cassius Mailula admits it was not easy for Mamelodi Sundowns to lose him but he’s grateful for their understanding ahead of his move to Toronto FC.
Mailula, 22, has agreed to join the Major League Soccer (MLS) side in a deal worth a reported R30-million after an incredible breakthrough season with Sundowns.
His debut campaign saw him net 15 goals with four assists in 31 games as they won the DStv Premiership and reached the last four of the CAF Champions League.
Interest was rife in his services but Toronto managed to stump up a concrete offer which Sundowns have since accepted and his move is imminent pending acquiring his US visa.
“It was something my [agent] knew about, I think they wanted me to just focus on my career and the season you know,” he told iDiski Times when asked about how the transfer came about.
“I didn’t want to dwell much on how many offers I had because that can affect your performance and you end up not doing well. So I think the move, it was a surprise to me when he called me and said ‘there’s a team from [MLS] who wants you’.
“I was like, ‘okay… but is Sundowns going to approve that?’ But Sundowns knows and understands that I also want to see myself going abroad you know.
“They actually called me and talked to me, said they wanted me and needed me because I had a good season and for them to release me was not going to be easy.
“So for me, this move will change my life, my football, I will learn a lot and improve certain aspects of my game.”
Maulila joins Olwethu Makhanya heading to the MLS, after his move to Philadelphia Union from Stellenbosch this month.
Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO).
