THE NEXT PERCY TAU?

Young forward Cassius Mailula has burst on to the scene this season with some stunning displays for Mamelodi Sundowns

- Mazola Molefe

When veteran goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene gave this interview about his Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Cassius Mailula, the young striker had managed 16 goal contributions from 18 matches in his breakthrough season.

Mailula has made the most of his maiden campaign in the top flight after he graduated from the development academy at Chloorkop, reaching double figures and becoming the club's go-to forward while two senior players were out injured.

It looked like tragedy had struck when Peter Shalulile and Abubeker Nassir were ruled out with long-term injuries before the World Cup in Qatar, prompting reports that Sundowns could go shopping for another striker.

Mailula was already slowly being introduced, but the general feeling from those who did not quite know what he was capable of - was that the kid from Ga-Molepo in Limpopo would find the responsibility too daunting to handle.

But fast-forward six months and the 21-year-old has produced decisive performances against Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League.

Mweene forecasts a bright future having seen several young players blossom at Sundowns since his arrival at the club in 2013.

"I think he's not the first one. When we got to Sundowns the younger ones who also joined the team were Khama Billiat, Bongani Zungu and Percy Tau. I'm just happy that all those young ones that I'm talking about are still playing now, and look at what they have achieved," the Zambian goalkeeper said.

How will experienced players like Mweene keep Mailula from getting carried away?