Bafana Bafana striker Cassius Mailula’s much-anticipated start at
Belgian second-tier club KV Kortrijk continues to be delayed, with the
24-year-old yet to make his debut since joining on loan ahead of the 2025/26
season.
Mailula’s move to Kortrijk came as a surprise after his previous loan spell
at Wydad Casablanca concluded, especially as there were expectations he
might return to parent club Toronto FC. Despite Kortrijk competing in
Belgium’s Challenger Pro League, Mailula has not seen any playing
time—though he has been named on the bench for the team’s last four matches.
Speaking to the Siya crew, a Belgian coach familiar with the league offered
perspective on the possible reasons for Mailula’s slow integration.
“Obviously it’s not the level of the PSL, but it’s not bad. The top eight
teams in the PSL are better than the second division in Belgium,” the coach
stated. “Why does he not get a chance? I don’t know—perhaps adaptation, and
it’s cold now in Belgium.”
The coach highlighted the physical nature of Belgium’s second tier, where
Kortrijk are fighting for promotion after relegation last season.
“It’s a physical game in the second division. I would say 70 percent of the
players are coming from the first league, at the end of their careers. The
second division is more physical than technical—even more so than the first
league. So it’s not easy to gain promotion again after relegation.”
He also drew a comparison with another South African international who
succeeded in Belgium: “Percy Tau adapted in the second league and later
moved to the first division. I knew Tau would find it easier in the top
league because it’s more technical, and he is a technical player.”
Mailula, formerly of Mamelodi Sundowns, will hope to follow a similar
path—but for now, he continues to wait for his first opportunity at
Kortrijk.
