Cassius Mailula is on the verge of completing a return to Mamelodi Sundowns. The 25-year-old forward is currently without a club after terminating his contract with Major League Soccer side Toronto FC earlier this month.
According to UNPLAYABLE, sources at Kabo Yellow have confirmed that Mailula is already at the club’s Chloorkop headquarters. The publication adds that a deal is now imminent.
The move would see Mailula return to the club where he launched his professional career. He burst onto the scene during the 2022/23 season and quickly established himself as one of South Africa’s brightest young talents.
RETURN TO MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Mailula enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough campaign with Sundowns. He scored 15 goals in all competitions and helped the club win the Betway Premiership title.
His outstanding performances also earned him the PSL Young Player of the Season award. He then received his first senior Bafana Bafana call-up and made his international debut in March 2023.
SEARCHING FOR A FRESH START
Toronto FC signed Mailula in July 2023 following his impressive rise in South Africa. However, he struggled for regular game time in Major League Soccer.
The attacker later spent time on loan at Wydad AC, where he featured at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, before another spell with Belgian side KV Kortrijk.
After mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Toronto FC, Mailula became a free agent. He is now looking to reignite his career with regular football.
If the move is finalised, Mailula would become another major addition to Miguel Cardoso’s squad as Sundowns strengthen for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
What is the primary home stadium of Mamelodi Sundowns?
The primary home ground for the league leaders is Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Arcadia, Pretoria, which is situated at 25°45′12″S 28°13′22″E.
WHEN ARE THE PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE TRANSFER WINDOWS?
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) transfer calendar is split into two registration periods each season, the main pre-season window and the mid-season window.
Pre-season transfer window: Opens on 1 July and usually runs until September, allowing clubs to complete squad building before and during the opening weeks of the campaign.
Mid-season transfer window: Opens on 1 January and closes in February, giving clubs an opportunity to strengthen squads for the second half of the season.
HOW ARE SALARIES AND CONTRACTS STRUCTURED IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN PSL?
Player salaries and contracts in the PSL are not controlled by a league salary cap or minimum wage structure. Instead, agreements are negotiated directly between the club, player and player representative. As a result, earnings vary significantly depending on several factors.
Player profile and experience: Established stars, senior internationals and Bafana Bafana players can earn more up to R1 million per month, particularly when image rights and commercial agreements are included.
Meanwhile, younger players and footballers at smaller clubs may earn closer to R20,000–30,000 monthly at top clubs. The figures are as low as R12 000 at smaller clubs.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST TRANSFER FEES IN PSL HISTORY?
Some of the biggest transfers involving South African clubs include:
- Percy Tau: R64 million (Mamelodi Sundowns to Brighton & Hove Albion, 2018)
- Relebohile Mofokeng: R56 million (Orlando Pirates to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, 2026)
- Mbekezile Mbokazi: R52 million (Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire FC, 2025)
- Thulani Serero: R50 million (Ajax Cape Town to AFC Ajax, 2011)
- Mbulelo Mabizela: R46 million (Orlando Pirates to Tottenham Hotspur, 2003).
HOW DO PRE-CONTRACTS DEALS WORK?
Pre-contract agreements allow clubs to secure players before their current contracts expire. A club negotiates directly with the player. He signs an agreement confirming the player will join once the existing contract ends. This means no transfer fee is paid.
HOW DO FREE AGENT SIGNINGS WORK?
A free transfer happens when a player becomes available without a transfer fee, usually after their contract expires.
Direct negotiations: The new club negotiates directly with the player and representatives. There is no need to agree a transfer amount with another club.
Mutual termination: Players may also become free agents if both player and club agree to terminate the contract before expiry.
