Mamelodi Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso backs Cassius Mailula to maintain flying return

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says Cassius Mailula’s return to the club has given the forward the confidence to make an immediate impact after a difficult period abroad.

Mailula, who came through the Mamelodi Sundowns development system, left the club in 2023 to join Major League Soccer side Toronto FC. His time in Canada was disrupted by a lack of regular first-team opportunities, leading to a loan move to Wydad Casablanca.

The 24-year-old later joined Belgian club KV Kortrijk on another temporary deal, but his chances to play remained limited there too.

Mailula has now returned to Mamelodi Sundowns during the current transfer window and has made a strong start to his second spell with the club.

He has scored three goals in four appearances in all competitions, with three of those goals coming in the Betway Premiership and one in the MTN8.

Cardoso believes Mailula’s familiarity with Mamelodi Sundowns and the positive reception he received on his return have helped him rediscover both his confidence and his best form.

“Cassius is a stated player; everybody knows the quality that he has. Obviously, that being happy makes him, makes things more fluid,” said Cardoso.

“He’s a very happy player in the moment by being with us, we are very happy also to have him.

“He was very well welcomed but he felt immediately back home and when you are happy usually things flow towards you, you know, the energy comes towards the people that are open-hearted to it.

“So, I think that’s what’s happening and let’s see. Of course, we have a lot of players that can help in the front, he’s one of them and we count on him of course as we count on the other ones.”

Mailula’s early contribution has strengthened Sundowns’ attacking options, although Cardoso emphasised that the club has several players capable of making an impact in the final third.

The coach said Mailula should be viewed as one member of a wider group of attacking players on whom the club will rely during the season. His return has nevertheless been one of the early talking points of the current transfer window, given the limited playing time he experienced during his loan spells in Europe and North America.

After leaving Mamelodi Sundowns for Toronto FC, Mailula was unable to establish himself as a regular in Canada. His subsequent loan to Wydad Casablanca and later move to KV Kortrijk provided further opportunities to continue his career, but neither spell brought consistent game time.

Back at the club where he developed, Mailula has quickly made his presence felt, with his goals coming across both the Betway Premiership and the MTN8.

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