With the 2024 MLS season having started last month, former Mamelodi Sundowns man Cassius Mailula has not played a minute for Toronto FC in this campaign so far.
Read: Why Broos 'Resigned' One Day After AFCON Heroics
The Canada-based side began the 2024 campaign with a goalless draw with FC Cincinnati last weekend, in which new head coach John Herdman decided to go with a 3-4-2-1 formation.
Wide in midfield, the 48-year-old English tactician picked former Juventus winger Federico Bernardeschi and ex-Nottingham Forest player Richie Laryea, while Lorenzo Insigne, captain Jonathan Osorio and Prince Osei Owusu played further forward.
As Toronto searched for a winning goal, South Africa's Mailula was overlooked by Herdman, and it was very much the same story in their 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution on Sunday.
The 22-year-old was not called upon again as the Reds relied on experienced Italian star Insigne, who scored his side's only goal – a chipped finish from an angle inside the box – to help the team to all three points.
Watch Insigne's goal here:
Oh my goodness, Insigne!?? pic.twitter.com/UtvXJ469I5
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 3, 2024
This means Mailula's last appearance for Toronto dates back to October 2023, a 3-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls, and that he has played just three times for the club since completing his move from Sundowns.
His lack of game time resulted in his exclusion from Hugo Broos' 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad, with the Belgian having previously not minced his words on the player's situation.
Late last year, the experienced international coached slammed Mailula's agent for taking the winger to the MLS as he stressed the importance of regular playing time for the Limpopo-born footballer.
Read: Broos To Ditch Bafana For New Job in Europe?
The former Downs star's next opportunity to play will be this coming weekend with Toronto hosting Charlotte FC in a league encounter.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments
WATCH VIDEO:
