North African giants Wydad Casablanca have announced the signing of Bafana Bafana striker Cassius Mailula on loan as head coach Rulani Mokwena continues to strengthen the side ahead of the 2024/25 season.
The 22-year-old's career has been handed a life-line as Moroccan giants have secured the services of Mailula on a season-long loan for the 24/25 season.
READ | Wydad make contact with Bafana star
The move comes on the back of what has been a underwhelming stay in North America with MLS outfit Toronto FC for the former Mamelodi Sundowns striker. Mailula made six appearances for Toronto last season, contributing two goals and one assist.
The Lion King has arrived ?? Welcome to Wydad Athletic Club ???#DimaWydad pic.twitter.com/RW8kAkVAQF
— Wydad Athletic Club (@WACofficiel) August 21, 2024
Despite that decent return, the pint-sized striker was demoted to the club's reserve team in a bid to secure him more playing time as minutes in the first team were hard to come by.
Now, Mailula reunites with Mokwena who was part of the three-man coaching team that promoted him to the senior team in the 22/23 season and under whom, Mailula contributed an impressive 15 goals and 4 assists in 34 appearances to be voted the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season.
ALSO READ | Mailula proves his class again
Toronto have also released a statement confirming Mailula's exit and revealing that Wydad will have the option to buy the South African star.
"Toronto FC announced that the club has sent forward Cassius Mailula on loan to Moroccan club Wydad Athletic Club of the Botola Pro [First Division] through July 31, 2025. Wydad AC will have the option to exercise a permanent transfer for Mailula at the end of this loan," the statement read.
After losing several key players, Mokwena is expected to complete more signings as he looks to forge a competitive Wydad outfit for the new season. Free agent and South African midfielder Bongani Zungu has also been confirmed to be in talks with Wydad over a possible move.
The three-time CAF Champions League winners will begin the new season with a clash against MAS Fes.