Mamelodi Sundowns forward Cassius Mailula has described his maiden Bafana Bafana call-up as a surprise. Mailula is part of the 23-man squad that will take on Liberia in back-to-back CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The 21-year-old Limpopo born has been in tremendous form for his club this season. 

He has already scored 18 goals in just a space of 16 months since making his senior debut for Masandawana. 

Also read: No Cassius Mailula European offers for Sundowns 

WHY MAIDEN BAFANA BAFANA CALL-UP IS A SUPRISE

The man from Ga-Molepo has explained why he felt the call-up came as a surprise to him. 

“For me, it came as a surprise because I didn’t expect to pop up so early,” he told the SAFA media.

“I thought that I would actually be in the U/23 but for me, it was actually good that someone out there could see my hard work. So I was actually happy and excited and ready that hopefully, I can make it to the 23-man squad.” 

Cassius Mailula also spoke about how exciting the first day it was for him with the rest of his Bafana Bafana teammates. 

“It was actually good. It was actually just a lite session so for me it was actually good to see people that actually admire and watch,” he said. 

Also read: Broos names final Bafana squad for Afcon qualifiers 

“Being in the same pitch with them was amazing and I never thought it would actually come so early but with God’s grace anything happens in its own time.”

Mailula has also revealed who was the first person to welcome him in camp.

“Percy Tau. I always wanted to play on the same team as him. Firstly it was Mshishi (Themba Zwane) but because I am playing with him at Sundowns, I just wanted to one day play with Percy Tau and I’m so happy that it’s finally going to happen.”