Toronto FC announced that the club has acquired 22-year-old South African forward Cassius Mailula from Mamelodi Sundowns FC of the DStv Premiership (South Africa, First Division) through 2026 with an option for 2027. He will be added to the roster as a part of the U-22 Initiative, pending his medicals, work visa and the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
"We are very excited to welcome Cassius to our club and the city," said Toronto FC General Manager Jason Hernandez. "He is a player that will bring a different dimension to our play on the pitch with his versatility, dynamic movement, and finishing ability with both feet. He will also provide us with a new young profile off the pitch, with his humility, grit, and ambition to reach the highest levels possible. We look forward to working with Cassius and are happy to have him in the TFC family."
Mailula joins Toronto FC after spending his first season with Sundowns where he registered 16 goals and five assists in 32 matches across all competitions (DStv Premiership, CAF Champions League, Nedbank Cup and MTN8). In his first season (2022/2023) with Sundowns, Mailula helped the team secure their sixth consecutive Premiership title. A product of the Mamelodi Sundowns Academy, the South African international signed his first professional contract with the club in August 2022 and made his professional debut in a DStv Premiership match against Chippa United on September 7, 2022.
At the international level, Mailula made his South African National Team debut in an African Cup of Nations Qualification match when he came on as a substitute against Liberia on March 24, 2023, and has since earned a total of two caps.
TRANSACTION: Toronto FC acquire forward Cassius Mailula from Mamelodi Sundowns FC as part of the MLS U-22 Initiative through 2026 with an option for 2027.
CASSIUS MAILULA
Position: Forward
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 145 lbs.
Date of Birth: June 12, 2001 (Age – 22)
Hometown: Limpopo, South Africa
Nationality: South African
Previous Club: Mamelodi Sundowns FC
