Cassius Mailula, also known as “Cash No Deposit,” has had an incredible journey in the world of football. After a remarkable season with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2022/23, where he scored 15 goals in 31 appearances, a move to the MLS became a reality as he signed with Toronto FC. Despite narrowly missing out on the final squad for AFCON23, Mailula made his senior international debut against Liberia in an AFCON qualifier. Now, in 2024, he is back with Toronto FC for his first-ever preseason with the team and has set ambitious goals for the upcoming season.
Mailula’s story reads like a fairytale. From his debut against Chippa United to scoring in the CAF Champions League and being part of the Bafana Bafana squad that secured a ticket to the AFCON finals, all within ten months, his rise has been nothing short of remarkable. To top it off, he secured a move to Toronto FC in the MLS.
Making his debut for Toronto FC against Columbus Crew, Mailula came on as a substitute but couldn’t help his team secure a victory. Despite this, he remains optimistic and believes he could have done better. Playing alongside big names like Captain Michael Bradley, Lorenzo Insigne, and Federico Bernardeschi is a dream come true for Mailula, who finds it difficult to put into words the feeling of sharing the same space with these players.
In his quest to improve Toronto FC’s position in the upcoming season, Mailula is determined to earn more game time and find his footing in the team. He finds comfort in the fact that he is not alone in the MLS, as there are other South African players like Olwethu Makhanya, Njabulo Blom, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who are also making a name for themselves in the league.
Reflecting on the standard of the MLS, Mailula acknowledges the physicality and intensity of the league, as well as the teams’ ability to keep possession. He is excited about the prospect of facing Lionel Messi, one of football’s greatest players, and considers it a dream come true to share the pitch with him.
Overall, Mailula’s journey from South Africa to Toronto FC has been filled with ups and downs, but he remains determined and optimistic about the future. With his talent and dedication, he aims to make a significant impact in the MLS and continue to chase his dreams in the world of football.
