Miguel Cardoso Hails Bafana Bafana Star After Mamelodi Sundowns Draw Against Kaizer Chiefs
- Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso singled out Cassius Mailula for praise after the striker came off the bench against Kaizer Chiefs
- The South African international returned to Sundowns for the 2026/27 season after three years at Toronto FC in North America
- The Bafana Bafana forward scored with his first touch after coming on to cancel out a Langelihle Phili goal that had given Chiefs the lead
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Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso heaped praise on Cassius Mailula after the striker rescued a point for the club with an equaliser against Kaizer Chiefs.
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Mailula, 25, entered the pitch with roughly 15 minutes remaining in the second half and needed only one touch to find the net, cancelling out Langelihle Phili's opener that had given Chiefs the lead. It was his second goal in three games, having also scored in the MTN8 quarter-final fixture against Polokwane City.
Mailula's return to Sundowns
The forward returned to the Pretoria-based club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, three years after leaving for Toronto FC in North America. His influence has been noticeable since coming back, with Cardoso praising the positive attitude and energy he brings when introduced from the bench.
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Cardoso described him as a player who has a strong affection for the club and his teammates and enjoys being part of the group. The coach also highlighted his cheerful personality, noting that even when given only a few minutes on the pitch, he embraces the opportunity and often makes a positive impact for the team.
Cardoso on Mailula's instinct in front of goal
The Sundowns coach also praised Mailula for the maturity and composure he has shown since returning to the team. Cardoso highlighted the forward’s strong attacking instincts, his ability to recognise key moments and his natural awareness in front of goal.
Cardoso added that Mailula’s goal was a special moment and expressed his happiness for the player after his impressive contribution.
The goal ultimately helped Sundowns avoid defeat, with the result attracting significant attention because of the high-profile clash involving the Soweto giants.
PSL postpones Sundowns' league opener
Briefly News also reported that the Premier Soccer League (PSL) granted Mamelodi Sundowns' request to postpone their opening 2026/27 Betway Premiership fixture following the death of midfielder Jayden Adams.
The defending champions were originally scheduled to face Marumo Gallants on 1 August 2026, but the match was moved to 19 August 2026 after the club's pre-season was delayed.
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Source: Briefly News
