Wydad AC coach Rulani Mokwena has handed former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Cassius Mailula a lifeline to kickstart his ailing career after failing to fulfil his potential with the Major League Soccer side Toronto FC.
On Wednesday, Toronto FC released an official statement: “Toronto FC announced today that the club has sent forward Cassius Mailula on loan to Moroccan club Wydad Athletic Club of the Botola Pro (First Division) through to July 31, 2025.”
This confirmed that Wydad had secured a season-long loan move for Mailula.
The Moroccan outfit will have the option to exercise a permanent transfer for Mailula at the end of this loan. If Mailula plays well, it is likely Wydad will exercise this purchase option.
The Moroccan giants responded with a social media post on X to welcome the South African: “The Lion King has arrived! Welcome to Wydad Athletic Club.”
The 23-year-old South African international Mailula joined Toronto last July, but seldom cracked a place in the first team line-up.
At the time, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos expressed his disappointment because he felt the striker, who also plays as an out-and-out right wing, would battle to secure regular game-time at Toronto.
The Lion King has arrived 🦁 Welcome to Wydad Athletic Club 🔴⚪#DimaWydad pic.twitter.com/RW8kAkVAQF
— Wydad Athletic Club (@WACofficiel) August 21, 2024
As it turned out, Mailula was up against some star players who were regular first-choices, and he played mostly for Toronto Reserves.
He joined the Canadian outfit via the MLS’ Under-22 Initiative, which allows their clubs to sign up to three young players, age 22 and younger, to lucrative contracts at a reduced budget charge.
Mailula’s lack of game time also meant he was not considered for Bafana Bafana matches. Now that he is at Wydad under Mzansi tactician Mokwena, he’s likely to play regularly in the Botola Pro, the Moroccan top-flight professional league.
Mailula, who was twice capped for Bafana, is the first South African player to join Mokwena in Morocco.
Speculation is rife that Mokwena is keeping an eye on the movement of players such as South Africans Percy Tau and Bongani Zungu, since he is keen on the former Sundowns duo.
Yesterday morning, the Gauteng-based P Management Sports Agency issued a statement to share Mailula’s feelings.
“I chose Wydad AC for several compelling reasons,” said Mailula.
“First, I will be under the guidance of coach Rulani, who knows me well and has always believed in my abilities. He played a pivotal role in my upcoming at Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Wydad is a prestigious club, and when Coach Rulani shared his ambitions and vision to make history with the team, I knew it was the right choice.
“Additionally, the opportunity to compete in the Club World Cup next year is a significant driver to the decision, as it aligns with my dream to play against the best players in the world.”
Interestingly, if Mailula makes the Wydad squad for the 2025 Club World Cup, he’ll go up against Sundowns, who are one of four CAF teams that have been included in the global showpiece in the US.
Fifa have confirmed that the 2025 tournament will be a prelude to the 2026 World Cup.