Mailula returns to Bafana Bafana with Mosimane reunion fuelling fresh ambition

Cassius Mailula says he never gave up hope of returning to the South Africa squad and is ready to make the most of his recall under Pitso Mosimane.

The Mamelodi Sundowns striker is back with Bafana Bafana for the first time since 2023 after beginning the domestic league season positively following his return to South Africa.

Mailula had previously featured in former coach Hugo Broos’ plans, but his transfer to FC Toronto in the Major Soccer League and limited playing time worked against him. His return to Sundowns, where he was first promoted, has now coincided with Mosimane taking charge of the national team.

The 25-year-old said regular football at club level had been central to his recall.

“No, obviously for me, I’ve always believed that I belong to the national team not because of the quality that I have. Even with the previous coach, I was called up, but unfortunately, things did not work out the way I wanted them to. I was not playing at my club. And also, it shows it doesn’t matter who you are – you need to play at club level to earn a call-up,” said Mailula.

His return home has restored his confidence and strengthened his belief that consistent performances for Sundowns would lead to another opportunity with Bafana Bafana.

“So for me now, coming back home to South Africa to play more games gave me a lot of confidence that if you do well, especially knowing that I am playing for a big club, you know, if you do well, you have a chance to come back to the national team.”

Mailula said Mosimane’s knowledge of his development made the selection especially significant.

“So, of course, when I saw the list, I was in camp, so it made me so happy to be included, especially because the coach knows me. He saw me when I was 16 years old, so that made me so happy. I was not even surprised because I know he believes in me, and he gave me the opportunity to play for Mamelodi Sundowns also.”

Mailula is expected to have an important part to play when South Africa begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.

Mosimane spent eight years at Sundowns and regularly arranged pre-season camps outside South Africa and elsewhere on the continent. It was during one of those camps that he first called up Mailula, then 16 and among the leading strikers in the Sundowns academy.

The forward, who comes from Ga-Malepo in Limpopo, is also familiar with Mosimane’s demanding standards and will be expected to make an immediate contribution.

Mailula’s spells abroad in the USA, Morocco and Belgium did not bring the success he had hoped for, while a lack of club football also hindered his international prospects. He says that difficult experience has left him more determined than ever to represent South Africa and has taught him valuable lessons.