Stanton Fredericks understands Broos’ Mailula stance, but…

Former Kaizer Chiefs star Stanton Frederick has weighed in on the issue of Cassius Mailula’s readiness for an overseas move.

Bafana Bafana coach Broos, known for not shying away from speaking his mind, reiterated that Mailula isn’t ready to move abroad.

Mailula has been the talk of the town, the hottest young property in the 2022/23 season, following his exploits for the defending DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 21-year-old attacker is having a debut season to remember in SA topflight. So far, he has scored 14 goals and provided four assists for the Tshwane giants across all competitions.

His breathtaking form has earned him his first Bafana Bafana call-up as the Sundowns star made the cut in the 23-man squad set to tackle Liberia in the back-to-back AFCON qualifiers.

Fredericks‚ who joined Swiss side Grasshopper at 23, said Broos is entitled to his opinion but disagrees with the Belgian tactician on his Mailula overseas remarks.

Stanton Fredericks: ‘Broos is a coach, I’m not but I know’

The man popularly known by his nickname ‘Stiga’ said he played overseas at a young age, therefore, urged Mailula to grab the opportunity should it arise.  

“This is not me going up against the coach [Broos]. He has his opinion. He’s a coach. I’m not a coach, but I’ve played the game, I know,” said Fredericks.

“And sometimes when you go too early, you can fail, and I think that is what the coach is saying.

“But me seeing Mailula, a team that scouts him will understand that there is potential that must be tapped into. And for me, the earlier Mailula goes, the better for him.

“The better for the country, the better for the player, the better for his teammates, so that’s my perception. And I’m not necessarily against Hugo Broos.

“I’m a big fan of Hugo Broos because he’s changed the face of Bafana. He’s giving youngsters an opportunity. He understands the mandate of building and looking for results in the next five years.

“I think the squad that he has selected, I’m very positive with that,” added the former Bafana Bafana star.

Mailula may make his maiden Bafana appearance on Friday, 24 March, at Orlando Pirates in the first leg of the AFCON qualifiers against Liberia.

The encounter is scheduled to start at 18h00, with the return tie set to be staged in Liberia four days later on Tuesday, 28 March.

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