Pitso Mosimane stands by Cassius Mailula selection for Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane says Cassius Mailula’s performances for Mamelodi Sundowns fully justify his return to the national team, insisting he has no regrets about selecting the forward.

Mosimane was questioned about Mailula’s inclusion during a press conference at the University of Johannesburg on Monday afternoon. The coach previously worked with the 25-year-old during their time together at Sundowns’ Chloorkop base.

Mailula has forced his way back into the squad after scoring four goals in 11 appearances in all competitions this season. His form follows a high-profile return to Chloorkop and has ended a three-year absence from the senior national team.

With some doubts raised over whether Mailula was ready for an international recall, Mosimane pointed to the forward’s recent performances as the clearest answer.

“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.

“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.

Mosimane’s decision comes as Mailula attempts to re-establish himself at international level after initially making a quick impression under former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.

The forward made his senior international debut against Liberia on 24 March 2023. However, a difficult spell abroad saw him fall out of contention for the national team before his return to Mamelodi Sundowns and his recent run of form.

His recall gives him the opportunity to add to his international experience when Bafana Bafana face Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

Mosimane’s latest selection underlines his confidence in Mailula’s current contribution to Sundowns, rather than relying solely on the forward’s previous emergence at international level. With four goals already recorded in 11 appearances this season, Mailula now has the chance to reward that faith when Bafana Bafana return to action.