Grant Kekana backs Cassius Mailula to fire for Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana believes Cassius Mailula can rediscover his best form and provide a major goalscoring boost after returning to the club.

Mailula made his breakthrough at Sundowns in 2022, when he was unexpectedly promoted to the first team. He quickly established himself as one of the club’s standout performers, scoring 15 goals and providing four assists in 31 appearances during a memorable breakout campaign.

That form led to a move to Major League Soccer side FC Toronto in a reported R25-million transfer. However, Mailula struggled to secure a regular place in the starting XI during his time in Canada.

The forward subsequently spent time on loan at Wydad Athletic Club and KV Kortrijk. His spell in Morocco, where he worked under former Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena, was regarded as a successful one.

Mailula scored six goals and supplied seven assists in 36 matches for Wydad, while also featuring prominently for the club at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

His time in Belgium with KV Kortrijk proved less productive and was ultimately brought to an end when his contract was terminated by mutual agreement. That allowed Mailula to return to Sundowns as a free agent, only three years after leaving the club.

Kekana said the 23-year-old’s familiarity with the squad had helped him settle quickly on his return, while his recent goalscoring form had also begun to restore his confidence.

“A good addition for us, we’ve always loved Cash, he’s always done the business for us, and we’re happy he’s scoring again, his confidence is coming back and it wasn’t difficult to gel with us – when he was here, most of us are still here,” Kekana said ahead of their opening home league game on Wednesday.

The defender expects Mailula to make a significant contribution throughout the season, provided he can continue building his belief in front of goal.

“But you know [he’s] a quality player and we know he’s going to be banging a lot of goals this season; we just need to make sure his confidence is back and he just keeps striking for us but yeah – we’re happy with Cash.”

Mailula will have another chance to add to his two goals in his first three games since returning when Sundowns host Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday evening. The match is scheduled to begin at 19:30.

His return gives Sundowns another attacking option as they look to benefit from the player who previously made such a decisive impact during his first spell with the club.

Mailula’s initial rise had been one of the notable stories of Sundowns’ 2022 campaign. His 15 goals and four assists in 31 games earned him a move abroad, although that opportunity at FC Toronto did not develop as expected.

The later loan spell at Wydad offered a reminder of his ability, with Mailula contributing goals and assists while working with Mokwena and appearing at the FIFA Club World Cup. His unsuccessful period at KV Kortrijk then preceded his return to South Africa.

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