Ramagalela impressed by Mailula and Lungu impact at Sundowns and Pirates

2026 MTN8 ambassador Rodney Ramagalela says Cassius Mailula and Ghampani Lungu have exceeded his expectations with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

Mailula, 25, returned to Sundowns for a second spell after mutually agreeing to end his time with Major League Soccer side Toronto FC, where opportunities had been limited.

The striker, who was born in Limpopo, spent the past two years on loan at Wydad and Kortrijk after joining Toronto. He has since made an immediate impact back in South Africa, scoring four goals in 11 appearances across all competitions in the Betway Premiership.

Lungu has also made a strong impression since joining Orlando Pirates at the start of the current season from Siwelele FC. The Zambia international has scored five goals and provided one assist in 10 matches across all competitions for the Buccaneers.

Speaking to iDiski Times journalist Lethabo Kganyago in edition 274 of the newspaper, former Sundowns forward Ramagalela praised the way both players have settled into their new surroundings.

“I think one is Cassius Mailula,” Ramagalela told iDiski Times.

“I wasn’t expecting him to come back and be the same player or even more than he was when he left Sundowns. I think he has grown so much, and he’s giving Sundowns so much. You will find him when Sundowns is building; he’s going to touch the ball, go back to the front line.”

Ramagalela said Mailula’s development had been particularly notable following his return to Sundowns.

He also highlighted the influence Lungu has had at Orlando Pirates, saying the winger had adapted more quickly than expected.

“And there is Ghampani Lungu for me; I didn’t expect him to go to Orlando Pirates and fit like that,” he said.

“And he’s one player that has been giving Orlando Pirates so much when they have counterattacks, when they are defending, with [Kamogelo] Sebelebele complementing his runs, and it’s something that Orlando Pirates needed.

“He’s one that surprised me to see him going there and playing every day.”