Cassius Mailula says overseas experience made him ‘hungrier’ after Mamelodi Sundowns return

Bafana Bafana forward Cassius Mailula says his difficult spell abroad taught him the value of playing regularly and strengthened his desire to succeed after returning to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mailula left Mamelodi Sundowns in July 2023 to join Major League Soccer club Toronto FC in a deal for an undisclosed transfer fee.

His time in Canada did not develop as expected. Toronto FC sent him on loan to Wydad AC for a season before the 25-year-old moved temporarily to Belgian Pro League side KV Kortrijk.

Mailula had limited game time at KV Kortrijk and subsequently returned to Toronto FC, where his contract was terminated.

The forward then rejoined Mamelodi Sundowns as a free agent. After recovering his form, he earned another opportunity with the national team and reflected on the experience of playing outside South Africa.

“Yes, of course, man. It’s always different when you leave from here to overseas,” Mailula told the media.

“The level is not obviously the same, demands a lot from me, and I think I’ve learned a lot abroad. You know how it feels to play. You know also how it feels not to play. It also made me hungrier to play.”

Mailula said the experience had increased his determination since returning home, with his focus now on contributing to victories for both club and country.

“So, you can just see that now coming back home, I’m hungrier to play. I want to win every match that I’m playing and also help my team win games.”

His return to regular football at Mamelodi Sundowns also helped him regain a place in the Bafana Bafana set-up.

Mailula said the chance to play again had been important in making his return to international football possible.

“So yeah, man, I’ve learned a lot, and it also gave 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.”