Mailula: I learned how it feels not to play…

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Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Cassius Mailula. Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images

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Mailula: I learned how it feels not to play…

Sep 22, 2026 – 11:51 am
By Siya Ndlela

Bafana Bafana striker Cassius Mailula has revealed the hard lessons from his time with three abroad ahead of his return to the national team setup.

Bafana have reported for camp at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) as they gear up for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.

Under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Pitso Mosimane, the senior men’s national team is fine-tuning their preparations in Johannesburg ahead of a crucial Group D double-header.

South Africa will first play host to Guinea this coming Saturday at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, before travelling to Cairo, Egypt, to lock horns with Eritrea four days later.

Among the headline inclusions in Mosimane’s 30-man squad is Mamelodi Sundowns forward Cassius Mailula, who has earned a hard-fought recall following a three-year international absence.

Mailula has already registered four goals in 11 appearances across all competitions this season—including a vital strike against Kaizer Chiefs—proving to be the dependable attacking focal point Bafana have missed.

Speaking upon his arrival at the UJ press conference, a rejuvenated Mailula expressed that he has since matured from his former belief that he has always ‘belonged in the national team’, and now understands that he too has to earn a spot.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be back, representing my country,” Mailula told journalists

“It is always a dream and honour to be part of the national team … I am very happy, and I am grateful for the opportunity.

Mailula has spent the last few years of his career playing abroad. He had spells with Toronto FC, Wydad AC and KV Kortrijk.

“It’s always different when you leave here for overseas – the level is not the same; it demands a lot more from me,” the striker added.

“I think I learned a lot abroad – how it feels to play and not to play. It made me more hungry. You can see now, coming back home, I am hungrier to play; I want to win every match and also help my team win games.

So yes, I have learned a lot, and it also game me a chance to be back in the national team. When you play, it gives you a chance to come back and represent your country.

Mailula originally burst onto the scene under former coach Hugo Broos, making his senior international debut on 24 March 2023 against Liberia at the FNB Stadium, following a breakout domestic campaign where he clinched the PSL Young Player of the Season award.

Since returning to Chloorkop in August 2026 after a challenging stint abroad in Major League Soccer, the 25-year-old has re-established his domestic form.