Xulu highlights danger of Mailula staying at Sundowns

Siyanda Xulu, a man who moved to Russia at the age of 21, has shared some advice with Cassius Mailula on moving to Europe.

Mailula has been in fine form for Mamelodi Sundowns, and Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has rewarded him with a call-up to the senior national team.

Sitting next to Xulu for the Match Day One press conference, Broos reiterated that it was too early for the 21-year-old forward, Mailula, to move to Europe.

HUGO BROOS ON WHAT HE LOVES ABOUT CASSIUS MAILULA

“Well. When I look at him, his behaviour in the group is very good. He is the guy with two feet on the ground,” the forthright Belgian insisted on Thursday.

“Even though there is a lot to do with him. Young player who scores for Mamelodi Sundowns whenever he wants.

“Firstly, I like him very much, and secondly, I have said a few days ago when somebody asked if he’s ready for Europe. I’ll repeat again, ‘No’, Mailula is not ready for Europe.

“He needs to have more experience, and therefore, I hope he will stay at Sundowns and play again in the CAF Champions League next year to gain experience.

“But he has something already right now, very important, he scores. Once you are in the 16 [18-yard box] and you get a chance, it’s a goal. 

“He has it already. So, if he can get a little bit of experience by playing good games at a high level, I think you can have a very good striker with him certainly.”

SIYANDA XULU’S CHAT WITH CASSIUS MAILULA

Interestingly, this is the second time Broos has said this in recent days. This time around, it comes just a day after Xulu had a chat with the Sundowns star.

Xulu would understand the dynamics of an overseas move for the young player, having joined Russian side Rostov at the same age in 2012. The Bafana vice-captain has gone on to have several stints in Israel and now in Azerbaijani, where he plies his trade for Turan Tovuz.

“We spoke about good things. He’s such a humble lad; I had never met him. We spoke about good things and that he’s doing well.

“Hopefully, he’s gonna stay humble and help the team [Bafana] going forward,” Xulu responded to FARPost when asked about Mailula.

“I left for Russia when I was the same age [21] from Sundowns, and I know how difficult it is. It’s very difficult, especially for him, with the hype around him. 

“I had a chat with him, highlighting how important it is for him to stay humble and the challenges he can face for now.

I MOVED TO RUSSIA AT THE SAME AGE

“The fact he has managed to get himself in the national team is a big step. The reason he is here [in Bafana] is that he is performing and scoring for Sundowns. He should just remain like that,” added the 32-year-old defender.

He further expressed his fear about the boy staying in the DStv Premiership another season.

“It’s always different; it helps to stay another season, but if that season you don’t perform as the previous season, then what happens? Sometimes it helps to take any opportunity as you can.”

The duo will be looking to team up on Friday, 24 March, as Bafana host Liberia in a must-win Group K AFCON qualifier. They play the return leg four days later in Monrovia.

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