Latest news with #Mailula
The South African
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Sundowns, Chiefs or Pirates? Mailula responds: 'I love Sundowns'
Former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Cassius Mailula has responded to questions as to whether he would consider returning to the PSL. Mailula is currently on the books for US-based outfit Toronto FC who he joined from Sundowns over a year ago. However, the young attacker was loaned out to Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club to get more game time. He shone for Wydad at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup where he even scored but his efforts were not enough as they crashed out in the group stage. Now, it's back to reality for Mailula after leaving Wydad as he heads back to Toronto FC where he is not guaranteed game time. In an interview with Andile Ncube on Metro FM, Mailula admitted that he still has the ambition to play abroad, and eventually in a bigger European league. And asked whether or not coming back to the PSL is a possibility, the 24-year-old said, for now his focus is on playing abroad. But should there be an opportunity to return home, Mailula would consider it provided the offer is right. A move to either Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs a possibility? Mailula was clear that his heart will always be with Sundowns if he were to return to the PSL. Mamelodi Sundowns looking to re-sign Cassius Mailula? Image: iDiski Times 'I love Sundowns… I love Sundowns, Sundowns is home,' Mailula responded. 'I think even the president and the chairman knows, that is my first love. Before I can think of other things or teams, I'll obviously start with Sundowns. 'And after that, if things don't go well in terms of negotiations then I can think of other things. But for me, Sundowns is my home,' he added. Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Mailula bids farewell to Wydad: Chiefs and Pirates on alert?
Former Wydad Athletic Club star Cassius Mailula could be an option for either Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates if he chooses to remain in Africa. The 24-year-old forward recently left Wydad after joining them on loan from Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Toronto FC. He recently competed for the Moroccan giants in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where he started two out of three Group G games and scored a goal in the process. In the 36 matches he played for Wydad, Mailula scored six times and provided seven assists. The Bafana attacker took to social media to thank the club. 'Dear Wydad family, it is with a heavy heart that I write this message, as I want to let you all know that I will not be continuing with the team for the upcoming season. My time with Wydad has been an incredibly special and rewarding experience, and I will forever be grateful for it,' Mailula said on social media. 'I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. From the security staff to the technical team, to my teammates, your kindness and support have meant the world to me. You all hold a very special place in my heart. 'I must also thank the president for giving me the incredible opportunity to represent Wydad, and coach Rulani [Mokwena] for his unwavering belief in me. Without his trust, I wouldn't be the player I am today. 'I wish the club, the fans, and everyone involved nothing but continued success in the upcoming season and beyond. Dima Wydad,' he concluded. Having left Wydad, Mailula is set to rejoin Toronto FC in the coming weeks in the MLS. The former Mamelodi Sundowns star still has a year left on his contract. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Cassius Mailula bids farewell to Wydad Casablanca after loan spell
'I want to let you all know that I will not be continuing with the team for the upcoming season,' he wrote. Tijjani Reijnders of Manchester City (R) in action against Cassius Mailula of Wydad AC (L) during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 soccer match in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 18 June 2025. EPA/WILL OLIVER South African striker Cassius Mailula has officially confirmed his departure from Wydad Casablanca following the conclusion of his season-long loan spell from Major League Soccer side Toronto FC. The 24-year-old attacker joined the Moroccan giants in search of regular playing time after struggling for game time in Canada. During his stint in North Africa, Mailula made a strong impression, playing a key role in several matches. ALSO READ: Modise highlights short turnaround facing Sundowns With his performances catching the eye, there was speculation that Wydad might seek to retain the forward beyond his initial loan period. However, Mailula has now confirmed that he will not be continuing with the club for the upcoming season. Mailula found the back of the net in Wydad's 2-1 loss to Al Ain in their final fixture at the FIFA Club World Cup. Taking to social media, Mailula shared an emotional farewell message to the Wydad family. 'It is with a heavy heart that I write this message, as I want to let you all know that I will not be continuing with the team for the upcoming season,' he wrote. 'My time with Wydad has been an incredibly special and rewarding experience, and I will forever be grateful for it. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. From the security staff to the technical team, to my teammates – your kindness and support has meant the world to me. You all hold a very special place in my heart.' 'I must also thank the President for giving me the incredible opportunity to represent Wydad, and Coach Rulani for his unwavering belief in me. Without his trust, I wouldn't be the player I am today. I wish the club, the fans, and everyone involved nothing but continued success in the upcoming season and beyond.' With his loan now complete, Mailula is expected to return to Toronto FC, where reports suggest he will be handed a fresh opportunity to fight for his place in the squad. ALSO READ: Saudi's Al Hilal knock Man City out of Club World Cup in huge shock Toronto are said to be encouraged by the former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker's development during his time in Morocco and are optimistic about integrating him back into the team for the remainder of the MLS campaign. They are currently in 13th position on the log after 19 games in the Eastern Conference and have 15 matches left to play.
26-06-2025
- Sport
Kaku scores go-ahead goal and Al Ain downs Wydad 2-1 at Club World Cup
WASHINGTON -- Kaku scored early in the second half to lift Al Ain to a 2-1 victory over Wydad on Thursday in the final match of the Club World Cup for both clubs. Both teams were already eliminated from contention for the tournament's knockout round. They went into the final group match without a win in Group G, which was dominated by Juventus and Manchester City. Manchester City defeated Juventus 5-2 simultaneously in Orlando, Florida, to claim the top spot in the group. Wydad coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem was at the game on crutches following a traffic accident with a team physician earlier in the week. No one involved in the accident was seriously injured, but the Moroccan coach was unable to attend the team's news conference the day before the match. Wydad scored in the fourth minute. Cassius Mailula found himself unchallenged at the end of a cross by Mohamed Moufid and beat goalkeeper Rui Patrício at the near post. Mailula is currently on loan to Wydad from Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. Kodjo Laba converted a penalty just before halftime to pull Al Ain even. Al Ain took the lead in the 50th minute when Paraguayan international Kaku finished into the upper right corner. Wydad centerback Jamal Harkass was injured in the run-up to the goal and had to be taken off on a stretcher. Temperatures during the match at Audi Field were in the 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius). Laba's successful penalty, which was confirmed by video review, broke a scoreless run in the tournament by the team from the United Arab Emirates. The Togolese forward was the UAE Pro League's top scorer this past season. With both teams already eliminated, the outcome was mostly a matter of pride for the winner. Wydad's only previous goal in the tournament came from Thembinkosi Lorch against Juventus. 'I think it's a good experience. It was a difficult group, with (Manchester) City and Juventus, but we competed until the end. I think this is good for Al Ain,' — Kaku. 'It's been difficult, and we are sorry that we didn't get the best result. Didn't win, but learned a lot. It was a great experience for us as a team going forward, also just for us to focus and regroup, and yes, to learn. The most important thing is to learn and take lessons to grow,' — Mailula.
San Francisco Chronicle
26-06-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Kaku scores go-ahead goal and Al Ain downs Wydad 2-1 at Club World Cup
WASHINGTON (AP) — Kaku scored early in the second half to lift Al Ain to a 2-1 victory over Wydad on Thursday in the final match of the Club World Cup for both clubs. Both teams were already eliminated from contention for the tournament's knockout round. They went into the final group match without a win in Group G, which was dominated by Juventus and Manchester City. Manchester City defeated Juventus 5-2 simultaneously in Orlando, Florida, to claim the top spot in the group. Wydad coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem was at the game on crutches following a traffic accident with a team physician earlier in the week. No one involved in the accident was seriously injured, but the Moroccan coach was unable to attend the team's news conference the day before the match. Wydad scored in the fourth minute. Cassius Mailula found himself unchallenged at the end of a cross by Mohamed Moufid and beat goalkeeper Rui Patrício at the near post. Mailula is currently on loan to Wydad from Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. Kodjo Laba converted a penalty just before halftime to pull Al Ain even. Al Ain took the lead in the 50th minute when Paraguayan international Kaku finished into the upper right corner. Wydad centerback Jamal Harkass was injured in the run-up to the goal and had to be taken off on a stretcher. Key moment Laba's successful penalty, which was confirmed by video review, broke a scoreless run in the tournament by the team from the United Arab Emirates. The Togolese forward was the UAE Pro League's top scorer this past season. Takeaways With both teams already eliminated, the outcome was mostly a matter of pride for the winner. Wydad's only previous goal in the tournament came from Thembinkosi Lorch against Juventus. What they said 'I think it's a good experience. It was a difficult group, with (Manchester) City and Juventus, but we competed until the end. I think this is good for Al Ain,' — Kaku. 'It's been difficult, and we are sorry that we didn't get the best result. Didn't win, but learned a lot. It was a great experience for us as a team going forward, also just for us to focus and regroup, and yes, to learn. The most important thing is to learn and take lessons to grow,' — Mailula. ___
