Bafana Bafana Star Backed to Rediscover His Form After Rejoining Mamelodi Sundowns
- Former Pirates and Sundowns midfielder Lebohang Mokoena defended Cassius Mailula's difficult spell in Europe and MLS
- Mailula, 25, is currently training with Sundowns at a pre-season camp in Austria after being released by KV Kortrijk
- Mokoena argued that a strong season at Chloorkop could reopen the door to European football for the forward
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Lebohang Mokoena has backed Cassius Mailula to rediscover his best form at Chloorkop, dismissing concerns about the 25-year-old's troubled period abroad.
Source: Getty Images
Mailula departed Masandawana in July 2023 after an impressive debut season, completing a transfer to MLS outfit Toronto FC. However, his overseas adventure failed to go as planned.
After falling out of favour and spending time with the club's reserve team, he secured loan moves to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca and Belgian club KV Kortrijk.
Mailula's difficult journey abroad
Speaking to FARPost, Mokoena said a successful spell back in the Betway Premiership could help the forward rebuild his confidence and put himself in a stronger position for a future move abroad. While acknowledging Europe's appeal, he insisted there would still be opportunities for Mailula if he performs well for Sundowns.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
His stint in Belgium brought limited opportunities, with the attacker making only three appearances as Kortrijk sealed promotion to the Jupiler Pro League. The club eventually decided against signing him on a permanent deal.
The 24-year-old is currently a free agent and has been training with Mamelodi Sundowns. He is also part of the squad attending the club's pre-season camp in Austria, although the reigning Betway Premiership champions have yet to confirm his return officially.
Competition in a well-stocked Sundowns attack
Mokoena acknowledged that Mailula will face stiff internal competition, with Sundowns boasting considerable depth in attack. Brazilian forward Brayan Leon, who reached double figures last season despite arriving mid-campaign, leads the line alongside Bafana Bafana striker Iqraam Rayners, Lebo Mothiba and Arthur Sales.
However, Mokoena pointed to the volume of matches at Chloorkop as reason for optimism, arguing the fixture list under coach Miguel Cardoso would create meaningful opportunities for Mailula to stake his claim, provided he is prepared to compete for a starting berth.
Sundowns are yet to confirm whether Mailula's pre-season involvement will translate into a permanent deal ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign.
Kaizer Chiefs warned against selling top star
Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs were warned over the possibility of selling one of their star players during this summer transfer window.
The Soweto giants are reportedly considering the player's sale after dropping him from the squad that travelled to Spain for pre-season.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
