Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly on the verge of bringing Cassius Mailula back to Chloorkop after his departure from Toronto FC.
While it would be a feel-good homecoming, the move also raises an interesting question: are Sundowns signing a player that Kaizer Chiefs need more?
According to UNPLAYABLE, Mailula is already at the Mamelodi Sundowns compound and a deal is imminent. The 25-year-old recently became a free agent after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Toronto FC.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the latest development may represent a missed opportunity. The Amakhosi remain in the market for attacking reinforcements, particularly on the wings.
A PERFECT FIT FOR KAIZER CHIEFS?
One of Mailula’s biggest strengths is his versatility. He can operate as a left winger, right winger or as a number 10, making him an attractive option for clubs needing creativity in the final third.
Kaizer Chiefs continue to search for greater attacking quality out wide. In the number 10 role, Mduduzi Shabalala and Gaston Sirino are the club’s main creative options. However, Sirino has been linked with a move away from Naturena.
That makes Mailula an ideal profile for Amakhosi. He could strengthen the wing positions immediately while also providing cover in the attacking midfield role.
IS THERE ROOM AT SUNDOWNS?
Ironically, competition for places looks much tougher at Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Betway Premiership champions have already have a wealth of wide attacking options like Antonio Van Wyk, Tasqreeq Matthews, Monnapule Saleng and Kutlwano Letlaku. Siyanda Ndlovu can also play in wide areas or as a number 10, while Thapelo Maseko and Aphelele Teto are reportedly returning from their loan spells.
The picture is equally crowded in the number 10 role. Nuno Santos, Themba Zwane, Arthur Sales and Katlego Ntsabeleng all provide options behind the striker, with Ntsabeleng reportedly set to remain permanently after his loan from FC Dallas.
With so much competition, Mailula could face another battle for regular minutes despite returning to familiar surroundings.
What is the primary home stadium of KAIZER CHIEFS?
The primary home ground for the Glamour Boys is FNB Stadium (Soccer City) in Nasrec, Johannesburg, which is situated at 26°14′05″S 27°58′56″E.
A MISSED OPPORTUNITY?
Another detail makes the story even more intriguing.
Mailula’s agent, Karabo Mathang-Tshabuse, visited Naturena last month to finalise Thabo Moloisane’s transfer to Kaizer Chiefs. That visit presented an opportunity for discussions over another client, but no move for Mailula materialised.
Whether Kaizer Chiefs explored the possibility remains unknown. However, if Mamelodi Sundowns complete the signing, the Amakhosi could be left wondering whether they allowed one of the country’s most versatile attacking players to slip through their fingers.
