Lepasa says Mailula’s hard work is paying off after difficult spell abroad

Siwelele FC striker Zakhele Lepasa says he encouraged Mamelodi Sundowns forward Cassius Mailula to remain focused and work hard during a difficult period in his career.

Mailula, 25, struggled for regular playing time after joining Major League Soccer side Toronto FC two years ago. He subsequently spent time on loan at Wydad Athletic and KV Kortrijk, where he began to rediscover his form.

After his spell in Belgium, Mailula and Toronto FC mutually agreed to part ways, allowing him to return to Sundowns. He has since scored four goals in nine appearances across all competitions.

Lepasa revealed on the #LimpopoSportsPodcast that he and Mailula trained together during the forward’s difficult period in the United States. The pair also discussed the challenges Mailula was facing at the time.

“Remember when Mailula first came into the light, that was two years ago,” said Lepasa.

“I remember sending him a message on Instagram. By then we didn’t know each other personally. I sent him a message on Instagram and told him that he needs to keep his head grounded and he needs to work hard.

“You know how life goes, a year ago I trained with him for like a full month because things were not going well for him in the US. He wanted to keep his flow and not lose his rhythm, and we started doing finishing together.

“I was already at Siwelele by then. I’m happy to see him score now. He deserves it. He’s one of the best finishers we have in the country.

“I think that’s what’s been impressive about this season and the last. The fact that there’s so many young players that have been brought into the scene.”

Lepasa said he first contacted Mailula on Instagram when the two players did not know each other personally. His message urged the Sundowns forward to stay grounded and continue working hard despite the uncertainty surrounding his career.

When Mailula returned from his time in the United States, Lepasa was already playing for Siwelele FC. The two then worked together for about a month, with their sessions focused on finishing so Mailula could maintain his sharpness and match rhythm.

The striker said he was pleased to see Mailula scoring again for Sundowns and believes the forward remains one of the best finishers in South Africa.

Lepasa also highlighted the number of young players who have emerged over the current season and the previous campaign, describing their arrival on the senior football scene as one of the most impressive developments.

The wider developments at Siwelele FC have also included the club’s decision to sack Seema after their defeat by Kaizer Chiefs.

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