Mamelodi Sundowns star Grant Kekana backs new teammate Cassius Mailula for a big season

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana believes returning striker Cassius Mailula can enjoy a highly successful season after making his return to the Chloorkop-based club.

Mailula previously left Sundowns for a spell that saw him play in the USA, Morocco and Belgium before returning to the reigning Betway Premiership champions.

Kekana believes Mailula’s previous experience with the club will help him quickly regain his best form, particularly because he already knows many of the players and the demands at Sundowns.

The 24-year-old has also made an encouraging start since returning, scoring in each of the two matches he has played so far this season.

Speaking ahead of Sundowns’ Betway Premiership clash against Marumo Gallants, Kekana praised Mailula’s qualities and backed him to score plenty of goals during the campaign.

“A good addition for us, we’ve always loved Cash, he’s always done the business for us, and we’re happy he’s scoring again. His confidence is coming back and it wasn’t difficult to gel with us – when he was here, most of us are still here,” Kekana said.

“But you know he’s a quality player and we know he’s going to be banging a lot of goals this season. We just need to make sure his confidence is back and he just keeps striking for us, but yeah – we’re happy with Cash.”

Kekana’s comments underline the optimism surrounding Mailula’s return, with Sundowns hoping the striker can rediscover the form that made him one of the most exciting young talents in South African football before his move abroad.