On Sunday, Wydad Casablanca forward Cassius Mailula wrote a special message to his mother, Pinky: “Happy Mother’s Day My Queen.”

Mailula then enjoyed a great day with Wydad, scoring in the 2-0 win over Renaissance Zemamra, their final league game of the season, to secure third spot in the Morocco Botola and a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

Unbeknown to the 23-year-old, the club had received news of his mother’s passing, and when officials finally broke the news in front of his teammates after the match, Mailula was devastated.

“On behalf of the president and all members of Wydad Athletic Club, we extend our deepest condolences to Cassius Mailula on the passing of his beloved mother,” read the club’s statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time. May her soul rest in peace.”

Mailula, who hails from Ga-Molepo in Limpopo, had a special relationship with his mother. When he moved from Mamelodi Sundowns to join MLS side Toronto FC in 2023, she was delighted and expressed confidence that his humble upbringing would stand him in good stead.

“I am aware that some other people, when they reach another level, they change. But I just ask God, not with my son,” she said at the time.

Mailula has been granted compassionate leave to return home to bid farewell to his biggest supporter.