Sundowns attacker Cassius Mailula embraces PSL return as Bafana Bafana recall boosts confidence

Cassius Mailula says he is delighted to be back playing in the Premier Soccer League after a difficult spell abroad, insisting his experiences in Morocco, the United States and Belgium have helped shape him as a player.

The Bafana Bafana striker returned to Mamelodi Sundowns during the off-season after his stints outside South Africa failed to provide the consistency he had hoped for.

Since returning to the PSL, Mailula has quickly rediscovered his enthusiasm for the game and has impressed with his performances, earning his way back into the national team picture under head coach Pitso Mosimane.

The forward believes his time playing abroad was valuable despite the challenges he encountered, as it exposed him to different football environments and gave him important lessons that he can now apply after returning home.

Mailula says those experiences have also contributed to his renewed hunger, with the striker determined to make the most of every opportunity with Sundowns and Bafana Bafana.

“So, you can just see that now coming back home, I’m hungrier to play. I want to win every match that I’m playing and also help my team win games,” Mailula said ahead of Bafana Bafana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea.

The return to familiar surroundings appears to have given the striker a fresh sense of purpose, with his immediate focus on helping Sundowns compete for honours while also establishing himself as an important member of the national team.

Mailula also credited his overseas experiences for helping him develop both on and off the pitch.

“So yeah, man, I’ve learned a lot, and it also gave me a chance to be back in the national team, when you play, it gives you a chance to come back and represent your country.”

His return to the national setup represents another opportunity to rebuild his international career and demonstrate the qualities that previously made him one of South Africa’s promising attacking talents.

With Bafana Bafana preparing for their AFCON qualifying campaign, Mailula will be hoping his strong return to domestic football can translate into an influential contribution for the national side.

For the striker, the setbacks encountered abroad have now become part of his development, while his return to the PSL has given him the platform to rediscover his hunger and fight for success with both club and country.