After only six months in the senior setup at Mamelodi Sundowns, Mailula admits that getting a call-up to the South African senior national team came as a surprise.
As much as it is to him, Mailula’s inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad to face Liberia in back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations, however, did not come as a surprise to many because the Sundowns attacker has been in superb form for the Brazilians, netting 14 goals and with eight assists in 22 appearances across all competitions for the DStv Premiership champions-elect.
“I really did not expect it so soon. I’ve always wanted this to happen, but so soon is really a dream. Sometimes I think I’m still dreaming, like today being on the same pitch as Percy Tau. That has been a dream of mine and it all came true,” said the player.
He said getting the call-up was so unexpected that he phoned home to communicate the good news. “I called home and shared the good news, much to the shock and sheer disbelief of everyone.”
“I know this is big for me, I understand the pressure that comes with it and I’m open to learning as I go along. I won’t be too hard on myself knowing that this is my first call-up, but I am going to push hard and give it my best. It is why I’m here. I too am dreaming of the AFCON come January next year.”
At 21 years old, the world is his oyster but a move overseas seems not to be top of mind for Mailula right now. “I have a lot of learning and growing to do, so I’m not too pressured on an overseas move. I’m just taking it in my stride.
“I want to enjoy scoring, it is what I love and for as long as I’m in the national set up or with my team I will apply myself, I know that I’m still a young player with promise.”
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