According to SABC, Wydad Athletic Club is on the brink of securing a loan deal for South African striker Cassius Mailula. The move would reunite Mailula with his former coach, Rulani Mokwena, who recently joined Wydad from Mamelodi Sundowns.
Despite Wydad’s ongoing FIFA transfer ban, negotiations with Toronto FC in Major League Soccer have progressed. The Moroccan club aims to bring Mailula to the Botola Pro League for the upcoming season.
Mailula joined Toronto FC last year for a reported R30 million fee from Mamelodi Sundowns. His move to the MLS coincided with Mokwena’s departure from Sundowns. Interestingly, Mokwena had previously expressed his disapproval of Mailula’s move to Toronto.
The 23-year-old has struggled to find consistent playing time in the MLS, making fewer than 10 appearances. Prior to his move, Mailula had impressed with Sundowns, scoring 15 goals in 31 games.
His form earned him a place in the South African national team. However, his decision to join Toronto led to his exclusion from the Bafana Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The loan deal between Wydad and Toronto FC is nearing completion, with an option for Wydad to make the transfer permanent. Mailula’s current contract with Toronto runs until December 2026.