Cassius Mailula makes long-awaited debut in Belgium | OneFootball

Mailula debuts in Belgium

Photo: KV Kortrijk @ X

South African striker Cassius Mailula finally took to the pitch for KV Kortrijk, making his much-anticipated debut in the Belgian Challenger Pro League on Sunday.

The Mamelodi Sundowns academy product entered the fray as a second-half substitute just after the hour mark, but couldn't help his side avoid a 2-0 defeat to FC Liege.

Despite the setback, Kortrijk, who are firmly in the hunt for topflight promotion, remain second on the table with 35 points from 15 matches, four points adrift of log leaders SK Beveren.

For Mailula, the debut marks an important step as he looks to make his mark at the club and catch the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The 24-year-old lost his place in the national team after his move to Major League Soccer outfit Toronto FC in 2023, where limited game time stalled his international prospects.

Chasing more minutes, Mailula spent last season on loan at Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, but the Red Castle opted not to trigger the buyout clause.

A potential loan switch to Algerian champions MC Alger—coached by Rulani Mokwena—was also mooted, but the move failed to materialise, eventually opening the door for his Belgian adventure.