Toronto FC General Manager Jason Hernandez has expressed his excitement following the arrival of forward Cassius Mailula, detailing what the ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star brings to the MLS.
On Friday evening, Major League Soccer side Toronto announced that Mailula has completed his move to the club in the USA from Mamelodi Sundowns.
Cassius Mailula has signed a three-year deal with Toronto until 2026 with an option to extend for another year.
“He will be added to the roster as a part of the U-22 Initiative, pending his medicals, work visa and the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC),” said Toronto in a statement.
The 22-year-old is the fifth South African player to seal a move to MLS after Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Njabulo Blom, Katlego “Tsiki” Ntsabeleng and Olwethu Makhanya.
TORONTO MANAGER ON WHAT MAILULA BRINGS TO THE TABLE
“We are very excited to welcome Cassius to our club and the city,” said Toronto FC General Manager Jason Hernandez.
“”He is a player that will bring a different dimension to our play on the pitch with his versatility, dynamic movement, and finishing ability with both feet.
“He will also provide us with a new young profile off the pitch, with his humility, grit, and ambition to reach the highest levels possible. We look forward to working with Cassius and are happy to have him in the TFC family.”
MAILULA’S BRIEF HISTORY AT PROFESSIONAL LEVEL
“Mailula joins Toronto FC after spending his first season with Sundowns, where he registered 16 goals and five assists in 32 matches across all competitions (DStv Premiership, CAF Champions League, Nedbank Cup and MTN8). In his first season (2022/2023) with Mamelodi Sundowns, Mailula helped the team secure their sixth consecutive Premiership title.
OTHER SOCCER NEWS:Sundowns give green light to Mailula’s move to North America
“A product of the Mamelodi Sundowns Academy, the South African international signed his first professional contract with the club in August 2022 and made his professional debut in a DStv Premiership match against Chippa United on September 7, 2022.
“At the international level, Mailula made his South African National Team debut in an African Cup of Nations Qualification match when he came on as a substitute against Liberia on March 24, 2023, and has since earned a total of two caps.”