Major League Soccer side Toronto FC have announced the signing of Cassius Mailula from Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mailula, 22, had an incredible breakthrough campaign at Masandawana, scoring 15 goals in 31 games across all competitions.
His fine performances earned him a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad and lots of interest from overseas, with Toronto winning the race for his signature.
“Toronto FC announced that the club has acquired 22-year-old South African forward Cassius Mailula from Mamelodi Sundowns FC of the DStv Premiership (South Africa, First Division) through 2026 with an option for 2027. He will be added to the roster as a part of the U-22 Initiative, pending his medicals, work visa and the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC),” the MLS side confirmed on Friday.
Toronto FC General Manager Jason Hernandez added: “We are very excited to welcome Cassius to our club and the city. He is a player that will bring a different dimension to our play on the pitch with his versatility, dynamic movement, and finishing ability with both feet.
“He will also provide us with a new young profile off the pitch, with his humility, grit, and ambition to reach the highest levels possible. We look forward to working with Cassius and are happy to have him in the TFC family.”
Mailula becomes the fifth South African player in the MLS, joining Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United), Njabulo Blom (St. Louis City), Tsiki Ntsabeleng (FC Dallas) and Olwethu Makhanya, who joined Philadelphia Union just last week.
Toronto currently sit in second from bottom on the MLS log, having collected 19 points from 24 games, which is one more than Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
