FIFA Club World Cup

“It’s amazing as a South African to score on such a stage” – Mailula

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Cassius Mailula of Wydad celebrates goal during the 2024/25 Morocco Botola League match between Wydad and Hassania Agadir at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco on 9 February 2025 ©Nabil Ramdani/BackpagePix

South African striker Cassius Mailula has reflected on scoring his first goal at the Club World Cup.

READ: “We need to show the world we have good players in SA” – Lorch

Mailula scored Wydad Athletic Club’s only goal in their 2-1 defeat to Al Ain at Audi Field in Washington DC.

It was a bittersweet moment for the South African side as they suffered their third consecutive defeat in the competition.

Mailula, who failed to score in the first two games, says he is honoured to have finally scored his first goal on a global stage.

“It’s amazing as a South African to score on such a stage,” Mailula told FIFA after the match.

“It means a lot to me. I’m very happy to have scored. It also gives me confidence that it’s possible and it doesn’t matter who you’re playing against.

“It’s a lesson for me to continue doing well, to prepare myself for the new season, and to take lessons from this tournament. It’s been a great experience.”

WATCH: Cassius Mailula’s goal against Al Ain