KV Kortrijk have granted Cassius Mailula compassionate leave following a family tragedy, allowing the South African forward to return home during a period of mourning.
In an official statement, the Belgian club confirmed that the former Mamelodi Sundowns striker has travelled to South Africa to be with his family after the sudden passing of his brother.
“It is with great sadness that the club learned that Cassius Mailula’s brother recently passed away unexpectedly,” Kortrijk announced.
“During this particularly difficult time, Cassius has returned to South Africa to mourn with his family. He will therefore be absent from training and matches for the time being. Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones.
“The entire club sympathises deeply with them and wishes them strength, comfort, and solidarity. We ask that you respect his privacy and that of his family.”
The tragic news comes as yet another personal setback for Mailula, who has endured significant loss in recent years. While playing for Wydad Casablanca in Morocco, the attacker also suffered the devastating loss of his mother, a moment that deeply affected him both personally and professionally.
Mailula is currently on loan at KV Kortrijk from Major League Soccer side Toronto FC until the end of the season. He made the move to Europe in September last year, with hopes that the change of environment would help revive his once-promising career.
The 23-year-old has made three league appearances in the Belgian First Division. Once his compassionate leave comes to an end, Mailula will be aiming to refocus on football and rediscover the sharpness and goal-scoring instinct that previously marked him out as one of South Africa’s brightest attacking talents.
