Cassius Mailula makes long-awaited debut in Belgium | OneFootball

Mailula debuts in Belgium

Photo: KV Kortrijk @ X

South African forward Cassius Mailula made his long-awaited KV Kortrijk debut in the Belgian Challenger Pro League on Sunday.

The Mamelodi Sundowns academy graduate came on as a second half substitute in the hour mark as his side lost 2-0 to FC Liege.

As a result, Kortrijk, who are pushing for promotion to the topflight, remain in second place with 35 points from 15 games and trail log leaders SK Beveren with four points.

Meanwhile, for Mailula, he will be eager to make a lasting impact at the club in a bid to play himself into Hugo Broos' squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 24-year-old lost his place in the national team after securing a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Toronto FC in 2023, which resulted in a lack of game time.

Seeking for playing opportunities, he made a season-long loan move to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca last season but the Red Castle didn't activate the buy option.

He was then linked with another loan move to North Africa - this time to Algerian champions MC Alger, coached by Rulani Mokwena, but a deal never materialized - paving way for a loan in Belgium.

Kortrijk return to action with a clash against relegation-threatened RFC Seraing at Guldensporenstadion on Saturday, 13 December.