Cassius Mailula returns to Mamelodi Sundowns after Toronto FC spell

Mamelodi Sundowns have strengthened their attack with the return of South African forward Cassius Mailula, who is back with the African champions after spending the past three seasons abroad.

Mailula left Sundowns at the end of the 2022/23 campaign to join Major League Soccer side Toronto FC. However, the striker was unable to establish himself as a regular in the Toronto FC team and subsequently spent the last two seasons on loan at Wydad Casablanca and KV Kortrijk.

His return gives Sundowns another attacking option as The Brazilians prepare for a new chapter with Mailula back in familiar surroundings. The club confirmed the move with a message welcoming the forward back to the team where his professional career began.

“A familiar face returns to where it all began. Cassius Mailula is back in yellow, ready for a new chapter with The Brazilians.” the club stated.

Mailula’s return marks the latest stage in a career that began with Sundowns before taking him to North America. His move to Toronto FC at the end of the 2022/23 campaign represented a significant change for the South African forward, but regular first-team opportunities proved difficult to secure.

That lack of consistent involvement led to a series of loan moves during the following two seasons. Mailula joined Wydad Casablanca and later KV Kortrijk, gaining experience away from Sundowns while remaining contracted to Toronto FC.

He now returns to Mamelodi Sundowns, with the club describing him as a familiar face and highlighting his connection with the team’s yellow colours. The announcement also confirms that the African champions have added another striker to their squad.

The move represents a return to the setting in which Mailula first made his name, rather than a first arrival at the club. Sundowns’ wording, “where it all began”, underlines the significance of the forward rejoining the team after his period with Toronto FC, Wydad Casablanca and KV Kortrijk.

Mailula’s departure came at the close of the 2022/23 campaign, while his return follows two seasons in which he moved between loan assignments. The 24-year-old’s latest chapter will therefore be with the club he previously left for Major League Soccer.

Sundowns announced the return as part of their attacking reinforcement, with Mailula joining an existing forward group at The Brazilians. No further details about the terms of his return were provided in the announcement.

The news comes alongside other Sundowns-related developments, including the club’s decision to retire Adams’ jersey number, but the immediate focus is on Mailula’s comeback and the extra firepower his arrival is expected to provide.