South African striker Cassius Mailula has an opportunity to play regular football following his departure from Major League Soccer (MLS) side Toronto FC.

Mailula, 24, had been forced to return to Toronto after his loan spell at Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca.

Toronto, however, was offering no guarantees he would have a fair shot at regular football. His loan to Wydad had been on the back of a difficult spell with Toronto, whom he had joined from Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023.

KV Kortrijk has stepped in to rescue him on a loan deal.

“KV Kortrijk is pleased to announce the arrival of Cassius Mailula. He will join our club until the end of the season. KV Kortrijk also has a purchase option (to make the deal permanent),” announced the Belgians on Monday evening.

Mailula, originally from Ga-Molepo in the Limpopo province, reached the professional ranks through the Mamelodi Sundowns academy.

In his breakthrough season (2022-23), he scored nine goals in 17 league games and was named the PSL Young Player of the Season.

In July 2023, he moved abroad, signing with Toronto in the MLS. Last year, he was loaned to Wydad, where he scored six goals and provided seven assists.

“Mailula is an offensive player who can play in multiple positions. He played at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, where he also scored,” added Nils Vanneste, Sporting Director at KVK.