Emerging superstar Cassius Mailula has received immediate praise from new MLS side Toronto FC following his blockbuster transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mailula completed a shock move to the Major League Soccer outfit towards the end of July. The move came on the back of a phenomenal debut season the 22-year-old on in which he scored 15 goals and provided four assists in 35 appearances for the Brazilians.
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Having already begun training with his new team, Mailula has already impressed in his first week.
"He can play anywhere across the front line," Dunfield told the club's website.
"He takes the ball well, whether it's in behind the back-line or in between lines, really smoothly.
"He can set up goals, he can score goals. There's a youthful enthusiasm with how he plays, very creative.
"We've got a very good young player on our hands who is excited to be in Toronto."
During his media availability, Cassius Mailula described himself as a player and expressed his excitement ahead of a potential debut in the 401 derby. ???????#TFCLive pic.twitter.com/2qktxDZJ6m
— Touchline TFC (@TouchlineTFC) August 19, 2023
The diminutive attacker also opened up on the challenges over the getting the deal over the line.
"It was not an easy decision to take, but I feel like I need to get out of my comfort zone, to explore, to get closer to Europe," Mailula explained.
"This is the right decision for my career, for my family also.
"It will help me a lot, everything is top. The facility is good, the coaches are good, the players are also good, so it will help me to improve myself and go to the next level."
Additionally, Mailula has been named in the 36-man preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for friendlies against Namibia and DR Congo in September.
Meanwhile, the striker could make his debut on Sunday when Toronto take on Colombus Crew in an MLS fixture.
Kick-off is at 01:30. (SA time)
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