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Toronto FC signs Cassius Mailula from Mamelodi Sundowns

By Arthur Fernandes

Ahly's Egyptian defender Yasser Ibrahim (L) fights for the ball with Sundowns' midfielder Cassius Mailula (R) during the CAF Champions League group B match between South Africas Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt's al-Ahly at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on March 11, 2023. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP) (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)
Ahly's Egyptian defender Yasser Ibrahim (L) fights for the ball with Sundowns' midfielder Cassius Mailula (R) during the CAF Champions League group B match between South Africas Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt's al-Ahly at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on March 11, 2023. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP) (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Toronto FC announced a new acquisition to bolster their attack this Friday. The Canadian club has acquired 22-year-old forward from Mamelodi Sundowns FC, a South African top-flight club. The South African player arrives as part of the MLS U-22 Initiative, which aims to integrate promising young talents from around the world. His contract with Toronto FC is valid until the 2026 season, with an option for 2027.

Mailula has already showcased his attacking skills at Mamelodi Sundowns, scoring 15 goals and providing four assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. His effectiveness in helping the club reach the semifinals of the 2022-23 CAF Champions League caught attention.

Toronto FC’s General Manager, Jason Hernandez, expressed enthusiasm about Cassius’ arrival at the club and highlighted his qualities on and off the field. The player is known for his versatility, dynamism, and ability to finish with both feet. Moreover, his humility, determination, and ambition to achieve significant goals make him a promising profile for the team.

This is Toronto FC’s third signing during the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of midfielders Latif Blessing (via trade with New England Revolution) and Franco Ibarra (on loan from Atlanta United). The club has also experienced some departures, such as defender Matt Hedges (traded to Austin FC), midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye (involved in a trade with New England Revolution), and forward Ayo Akinola (loaned to San Jose Earthquakes).

Ahly’s Egyptian defender Mohamed Abdelmonem (R) fights for the ball with Sundowns’ midfielder Cassius Mailula (L) during the CAF Champions League group B match between South Africas Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt’s al-Ahly at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on March 11, 2023. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP) (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)
Ahly’s Egyptian defender Mohamed Abdelmonem (R) fights for the ball with Sundowns’ midfielder Cassius Mailula (L) during the CAF Champions League group B match between South Africas Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt’s al-Ahly at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on March 11, 2023. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP) (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images) /

These lineup changes for Toronto FC come amidst the search for a new head coach, following Bob Bradley’s departure in late June. Terry Dunfield has taken over as interim head coach, and Jason Hernandez has been promoted to General Manager, succeeding Bradley in that position.

Toronto FC faces a delicate situation in their 2023 campaign, with the risk of missing the Audi MLS Cup playoffs for the third consecutive year. Currently, the team sits in 14th place in the Eastern Conference standings, 11 points behind the postseason pace, with 10 games remaining in their campaign.

Cassius Mailula’s arrival could be a crucial factor for Toronto FC to reverse their situation and vie for a playoff spot. His youth and talent promise to add more offensive potential to the team, bringing hope to the fans and injecting a new dynamic to the attack. It remains to be seen how the South African forward will adapt to the club and how his presence will influence the team’s performance in the remainder of the season.

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