South Africa coach Hugo Broos is delighted with Cassius Mailula's move to Wydad Athletic Club after his struggles at Major League Soccer outfit Toronto FC.
Mailula was a factor at Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2022/23 season where he played 34 matches across all competitions, scoring 15 goals and four assists in the process. He was linked to several European teams but it was the MLS team that won the race to sign him.
Broos was not happy with the transfer because he felt it was soon, but his agents felt otherwise.
Mailula struggles at Toronto FC, Mokwena comes to his rescue
Last season, the 23-year-old played just six games for the North Americans but still managed to score two goals and provide an assist.
With no assurances that he will get more games this season, Wydad AC – who are under former Masandawana coach Rulani Mokwena, signed him on loan.
The North Africans, who beat Sundowns in the 2022/23 Caf Champions League semi-final, finished sixth in the most recent edition and were forced to make technical changes. They have also signed several players.
Mokwena is hopeful Mailula will play a massive role in helping the Red Castle get back at the helm of the Botola Pro League table.
Broos happy Mailula move
“I’m very happy because you know I was a little bit of a fan of his because he is a guy you give the ball in the 16 [yard area] and he turns around, it’s a goal,” the 72-year-old stated.
“Then he made the move to Toronto and I never understood why he went to Toronto with two Italian internationals and a Canadian international. Who was Mailula, who was he? He played 15 games in the PSL. That was a very bad move from his agent and he saw what happened. He didn’t play for a year and a half.
“So I’m very happy he’s going to a coach who knows him very well. That’s already an advantage and I think he will have more time to play. Let’s hope we see the old Cassius in a few months,” Broos concluded.
The Bafana Bafana coach has now hinted Mailula might be considered for the next international duty scheduled for November.
