Introduction
Cassius Tumelo Mailula (born 12 June 2001) is a South African professional soccer player who plays for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.
Early life
In 2016, he joined the Mamelodi Sundowns, after being scouted at the Mandela Youth Challenge in Soweto, where he was named Player Of The Tournament and won the Golden Boot award.
Club career
Mailula made his senior debut for Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African Premier Division during a 1–0 win against Chippa United in September 2022. He scored his first senior goals on 14 October 2022, in a match against La Passe FC in the CAF Champions League, netting a hat-trick. He scored his first league goals on 25 October, netting a brace against Maritzburg United. Mailula was subsequently named the league's Young Player of the Season for his debut campaign.
In July 2023, Mailula signed with Major League Soccer club Toronto FC, signing through the 2026 season, with an option for 2027.
International career
In March 2023, Mailula was called up to the South Africa national team for the first time for 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches. He made his debut on 24 March 2023 against Liberia.
Career statistics
- As of match played 7 October 2023
| Club | Season | League | Playoffs | National Cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goal | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Mamelodi Sundowns | 2022–23 | South African Premier Division | 18 | 9 | — | 2 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 32 | 16 | |
| Toronto FC | 2023 | Major League Soccer | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 3 | 0 | ||||
| Career total | 21 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 35 | 16 | ||
Honours
Mamelodi Sundowns
- South African Premier Division: 2022–23
Individual
- South African Premier Division Young Player of the Season: 2022–23