Cassius Mailula Raising the Bar for Kaizer Chiefs Woes? Mamelodi Sundowns Prodigy Putting Kaizer Chiefs to Shame

Cassius Mailula Raising the Bar for Kaizer Chiefs Woes? Mamelodi Sundowns Prodigy Putting Kaizer Chiefs to Shame

Cassius Mailula, a striker for Mamelodi Sundowns, claims that as he starts to contend for the PSL Golden Boot, his game is moving to a new level.

In his first PSL season, Mailula has put himself on a great scoring trajectory. Already regarded as a promising player for South African football.

The 21-year-old has seven league goals, two fewer than his Sundowns colleague and league leader Peter Shalulile.

After making his professional debut in September 2022, Mailula is now playing in his first season in the top division. But he quickly gained popularity, and Percy Tau of the Bafana Bafana team has already been mentioned in parallels.

Even Kermit Erasmus’ departure to Orlando Pirates was hardly noticed since Mailula stepped in and rapidly became himself a key member of the Masandawana team, which was full with talented players.

Mailula, who is driven to succeed, is not shy about his aspirations. He publicly declares his desire to step up his performance and capture the Caf Champions League, which has eluded the Brazilians recently.

Mailula said: “I need to work on a few areas of my game. However, things are going well so far since I’m scoring goals and usually finding myself in the perfect place, Mailula told Sundowns reporters.

“I need to do a better job of assisting the team in maintaining possession of the ball, and I believe my game is improving. I want to compete in and win the Champions League.

“I feel more assured that it is actually feasible because of it. The coaches are the ones that help me remain composed and humble, so I simply have to keep moving forward and maintain my composure.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Mailula has undoubtedly shocked the PSL this year, and his ascent has revealed Kaizer Chiefs’ development strategy. Amakhosi’s academy graduates haven’t had much of an impact on the PSL throughout the years.

Except for Njabulo Blom, who just joined the Major Professional Soccer team St. Louis City FC, the majority of Chiefs’ young players are finding it difficult to handle the demands of top-flight league playing.

It’s interesting to note that numerous Chiefs first-team players, including Siyabonga Ngezana, Happy Mashiane, Sabelo Radebe, and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, went through coach Arthur Zwane’s hands in development but haven’t yet had a significant impact.

Samkelo Zwane, Mduduzi Shabalala, Aden McCarthy, and Wandile Duba all recently promoted have not yet persuaded anyone that they can become major players in South African football.