A delighted Cassius Mailula could not contain his excitement as he admits to be looking forward to facing Lionel Messi as his blockbuster transfer to Toronto FC from Mamelodi Sundowns inches closer.
The 22-year-old prodigy is set to become the latest South African star to secure a blockbuster move to the MLS joining countrymen Njabulo Blom (St. Louis City SC) and Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United).
"Yeah man, I think it would be a big dream come true for me to play against stars such as Messi," Mailula tells KickOff.
"I am very happy and I cannot wait to get started.
"I can't wait to play against Messi, and hopefully it happens soon."
The Limpopo-born striker scored 15 goals across all competitions during the 2022/23 season to go on and be crowned the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season in a breakout campaign for the attacker.
Mailula added that he is hoping his anticipated move to the MLS is a stepping stone in his playing career.
"For me to go and play in the MLS, I think it would help me and my development a lot," Mailula added.
"You can see the players from South Africa are doing well over there, and it's good because maybe one day in the future the big European teams would scout and want to see more of me."
A versatile attacker, Mailula can occupy all positions across the attacking line while also a threat as an attacking midfielder.
The Sundowns academy graduate emerged as one of the most exciting local talents in his debut season, perhaps since Percy Tau, and will now be aiming to shine on the international stage.
Toronto FC and Sundowns are reported to be engaged in transfer negotiations with a rumoured R30 million transfer fee close to be agreed.
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