Cardoso says Mailula already feels at home

Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt

• Cassius Mailula scored Sundowns’ equaliser against Chiefs and now has two goals since returning to the club.

• Miguel Cardoso says Mailula looks happy at Sundowns, while the coach still wants more players for the demanding season ahead.

Cassius Mailula needed only seconds to make an impact after coming off the bench against Kaizer Chiefs.

The 25-year-old headed Mamelodi Sundowns level in their 1-1 Betway Premiership draw at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

It was his second goal since returning to Sundowns for a second spell this season.

Mailula left Chloorkop in 2023 to join Toronto FC and later had loan spells at Wydad Casablanca and Belgian side KV Kortrijk.

Coach Miguel Cardoso believes the forward already looks comfortable back at Sundowns.

“As soon as he came and started to train I saw that this boy is ours,” Cardoso said. “He feels at home, he is happy.”

Mailula’s return has also given Cardoso more attacking options after the coach regularly complained about a lack of depth last season.

19-year-old Bennet Mokoena also brought fresh energy against Chiefs, while 22-year-old Siyanda Ndlovu impressed after coming off the bench.

Cardoso said younger players would make mistakes as they developed but needed opportunities to improve.

Sundowns have also added Antonio van Wyk and Teboho Lekhatla to the squad.

But Cardoso still wants more reinforcements.

The African champions have played more than 45 matches in each of the past four seasons, putting heavy pressure on the squad.

Cardoso said he would still like another centre-back, midfielder and possibly a player on the right.

“The season is very tough,” he said. “Let’s see what’s possible to do.”

Sundowns next face Marumo Gallants at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday.

Pictured above: Cassius Mailula.

Image source: Mamelodi Sundowns/X