'Sundowns is My First Love' – Bafana Bafana Striker Opens Up About His Future After Wydad Exit

The talented striker considers returning to the PSL after an overseas stint, expressing strong affection for his former South African club.

Former Wydad Casablanca and Bafana Bafana striker Cassius Mailula has broken his silence about a possible return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) ahead of the upcoming season.

The talented Limpopo-born forward, who recently announced his departure from Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca after a single campaign, has revealed where his heart lies should he head back to South African football.

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Mailula joined Wydad at the start of the 2024/25 season, reuniting with coach Rulani Mokwena in an attempt to revive his career through more regular game time. The duo previously worked together during a successful stint at Mamelodi Sundowns, where Mailula first burst onto the professional scene.

In the 2022/23 campaign, the pacey striker enjoyed a breakout season at Sundowns, scoring 15 goals and providing four assists in 31 appearances across all competitions.

His performances earned him the prestigious Young Player of the Season award at the 2023 PSL awards ceremony, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s brightest prospects.

His success at Sundowns paved the way for a move abroad when he signed for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer (MLS).

However, the transition proved challenging, as Mailula struggled to cement a regular place in the starting line-up in Canada, prompting a loan switch to Wydad in Morocco to regain form and confidence.

Potential PSL Return and Sundowns Affection

Now back at a crossroads in his career, Mailula’s future remains uncertain as he prepares to return to Toronto FC, who still hold his contract.

Speaking candidly on Metro FM, the 24-year-old made it clear that he is not ruling out a return to the PSL while emphasizing his strong connection to Sundowns.

“Obviously, you can’t block the opportunity to come back home, it also depends on what the clubs are offering and what their plan is with me,” Mailula said as per Far Post.

“I wouldn’t say I’m closing that door [to PSL return] because you never know what would happen in football. So for me, it would be nice, but I know that I’m very ambitious; my goal is still to go to Europe.

“So that’s why I say I wouldn’t close that door, but I’m still contracted to Toronto and I have to respect them, but at home, I love Sundowns.

“I think even the chairman and the president know that Sundowns is my first love, and before I can think of any move at home, I’ll think of Sundowns. If things don’t go well with negotiations, then I can start to think of other teams. Sundowns is my home.”

His comments will be music to the ears of Masandawana supporters, many of whom still remember his electric displays that propelled Sundowns to domestic dominance.

Ambition to Reach Europe Remains Strong

Despite the prospect of returning to familiar territory in South Africa, Mailula remains steadfast in his ambition to test himself at the highest levels abroad.

The striker has long harbored dreams of playing in Europe, and even amid speculation about a PSL homecoming, he insists those aspirations have not dimmed.

For now, the coming weeks will be crucial as his representatives hold discussions to determine whether he has a future in MLS or will seek another move – either back home or further afield.