All eyes on Cassius: A sports science diploma, a Bafana call-up, but 'no rush' to Europe for Mailula

The simplest way of getting noticed by Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is by both scoring and assisting in goals, and Mamelodi Sundowns star Cassius Mailula's statistics are hard to ignore.

The attack-minded midfielder 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.

Mailula made the cut to be included in Broos's 23-man squad for crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Liberia on Friday and next Tuesday.

Drafted into the Sundowns academy at 16, Mailula has represented South Africa at various levels. His timely call-up to the national side was a welcome addition to a team that has starved of goals, and Mailula has plenty in his arsenal.

Mailula credits his footballing trajectory to his coaches and their sage advice as his soaring career takes flight.

"Credit goes to development coaches for always encouraging us to also focus on our studies because you'll never know where football can take you," he told SAFA media.

"It was good that I finished my matric and went to TUT (Tshwane University of Technology) in 2019, and by God's grace, I've finished my diploma in sports science.

"Hopefully, one day, I will try to study something (else)."

Meanwhile, the 21-year-old initially thought his Bafana call-up was for the national under-23 squad, but Broos exercised his right to name Mailula in the senior team.

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"For me, it came as a surprise because I didn't expect to pop up so early. I thought that I’ll be actually in the U23 [squad], but for me, it was actually good that someone out there can see my hard