Cassius Mailula

Cassius Tumelo Mailula (born 12 June 2001) is a South African professional soccer player who plays for Major League Soccer club Toronto FC and the South Africa national team.

Early life
In 2016, he joined the Mamelodi Sundowns Academy, after being scouted at the Mandela Youth Challenge in Soweto, where he was named Player Of The Tournament and won the Golden Boot award.

Club career
Mailula made his senior debut for Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African Premier Division during a 1–0 win against Chippa United in September 2022. He scored his first senior goals on 14 October 2022, in a match against La Passe FC in the CAF Champions League, netting a hat-trick. He scored his first league goals on 25 October, netting a brace against Maritzburg United. Mailula was subsequently named the league's Young Player of the Season for his debut campaign.

In July 2023, Mailula signed with Major League Soccer club Toronto FC, signing through the 2026 season, with an option for 2027. He made his debut on 26 August 2023, in a substitute appearance, against the Columbus Crew. He scored his first goal for the club on 24 April 2024 in a 2024 Canadian Championship match against semi-pro club Simcoe County Rovers FC. in 2024, he spent some time on loan with the second team, Toronto FC II, in MLS Next Pro.

International career
In March 2023, Mailula was called up to the South Africa national team for the first time for 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches. He made his debut on 24 March 2023 against Liberia.

Honours
Mamelodi Sundowns
 * South African Premier Division: 2022–23

Individual
 * South African Premier Division Young Player of the Season: 2022–23