Extra Time: Michael Madyira argues that Toronto FC are treating Cassius Mailula unfairly.
Cassius Mailula was showing great potential in South Africa before he moved to Major League Soccer side Toronto FC in Canada.
In his debut 2022-23 PSL season with Mamelodi Sundowns, he was competing for the Golden Boot and was capped by Bafana Bafana.
It was sensational progress for the 22 year old, something most young players can only dream of.
His performances caught the eye of Toronto, who moved in to sign him.
But it turned out to be a poor move as he struggled just to be in the matchday squad.
Coach John Herdman said it was difficult for the attacker to get himself selected ahead of former Juventus winger Federico Bernardeschi and ex-Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne.
However, things looked promising for Mailula when he first featured against the Vancouver Whitecaps in early April.
That was followed by his maiden goal last week, when he scored in the 5-0 win over Simcoe Country Rovers.
But shortly after, when all seemed to be going well, Toronto dropped a bombshell on the star.
He was sent to train with the club’s reserve team, which seems disrespectful.
We are talking about a full Bafana Bafana international who, a few months ago, was regarded as the brightest prospect of South African football.
Now his progress has come to a screeching halt, which could harm his budding career.
Maybe he was not giving his all at training, which may have led to Herdman’s decision, but it’s difficult to watch a talented player treated like that.
Instead of going to train with the Toronto B team, Mailula should push for a loan move to a club where he would be challenged to perform and continue to progress.
Pictured above: Toronto FC forward Cassius Mailula.
Image source: Toronto FC
