OFFICIAL: Cassius Mailula available on free transfer

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Cassius Mailula has parted ways with Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Toronto FC six month before his contract was due.

The 25-year-old has endured a tumultuous spell since moving abroad from the Brazilians in a deal worth in the region of €1.50 million (R27 million) in July 2023.

His stay with Toronto was marred by loan spells amid fierce competition for a starting berth, failing to replicate the form he displayed in his breakout season at Sundowns.

Mailula burst into the scene with 15 goals and four assists in 31 matches across all competitions in the 2022/23 campaign under Rulani Mokwena.

However, what promised to be an upward trajectory didn't pay dividends as the player was limited to less than 10 appearances in his debut season at Toronto.

He was subsequently sent out on a season-long loan to Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club in the 2024/25 campaign, where he also featured in the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Limpopo-born attacker was then subject to yet another loan spell, this time with Belgian second-tier outfit KV Kortrijk last season, where he played three matches.

Now, Mailula is a free agent and is eligible to join a club of his choice, having featured eight times with two goals and a solitary assist for Toronto since the big money move.

Whether the Sundowns academy graduate will return to his native South Africa and ply his trade in the Betway Premiership next season remains to be seen.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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