Mailula says time abroad made him ‘hungrier’ for Bafana Bafana return

Cassius Mailula says his spells overseas taught him the frustration of being left out of a team and have strengthened his desire to succeed after being recalled by Bafana Bafana.

South Africa’s senior men’s national team have gathered at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to prepare for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers under newly appointed head coach Pitso Mosimane.

Bafana Bafana begin their Group D campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium in Soweto this coming Saturday. They then travel to Cairo, Egypt, to face Eritrea four days later.

Mailula is among the most notable selections in Mosimane’s 30-man squad, having earned a return to international football after a three-year absence. The Mamelodi Sundowns forward has scored four goals in 11 appearances across all competitions this season, including an important goal against Kaizer Chiefs.

The 25-year-old says his outlook has changed since his previous involvement with the national team. Rather than assuming he should automatically be selected, Mailula now believes he must continue to prove his value.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be back, representing my country,” Mailula told journalists at the UJ press conference.

“It is always a dream and honour to be part of the national team … I am very happy, and I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Mailula spent the past few years playing outside South Africa, with spells at Toronto FC, Wydad AC and KV Kortrijk. He said the demands of football overseas helped him develop both professionally and mentally.

“It’s always different when you leave here for overseas – the level is not the same; it demands a lot more from me,” he said.

“I think I learned a lot abroad – how it feels to play and not to play. It made me more hungry. You can see now, coming back home, I am hungrier to play; I want to win every match and also help my team win games.”

The striker added that regular football had been crucial to his return to the national-team picture.

“So yes, I have learned a lot, and it also game me a chance to be back in the national team. When you play, it gives you a chance to come back and represent your country.”

Mailula made his Bafana Bafana debut on 24 March 2023 against Liberia at FNB Stadium under former coach Hugo Broos. That appearance followed a breakthrough domestic season in which he won the PSL Young Player of the Season award.

After a difficult period abroad in Major League Soccer, Mailula returned to Chloorkop in August 2026. He has since rebuilt his form in domestic football and secured his place in Mosimane’s plans for the opening Afcon qualifiers.