Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has explained why he believes Mamelodi Sundowns sensation Cassius Mailula is not ready for a blockbuster European move.
Broos named the 21-year-old striker in his final 23-man squad for crucial back-to-back African Cup of Nations (Afcon0 qualifiers against Liberia to be played later this month.
Mailula has been in sensational form from Sundowns this season, contributing 14 goals and four assists in his 22 appearances for The Brazilians.
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However, the Belgian mentor has called for calm over calls for a European move.
"We have to be careful sending such a player too soon to Europe. Honestly, I don’t think he’s ready for Europe now. I don’t think [so]."
"Mailula is doing very well, but it’s his first season. Last year he played one game or two games [then] it was finished, we didn't see him. Now he’s broken through.
"But saying now already that he’s ready for Europe. I should advise him to stay one more year at Sundowns, playing in the Champions League again. It will be good for his development.
"Don’t underestimate going to Europe. Don’t underestimate it, certainly for a striker, it's very difficult. He has the potential but don’t take that decision too soon.
"Be careful with that [praise], it’s his first season. He’s doing well in the Champions League, he scores, okay, but it’s been what? seven months in a team like Sundowns that is dominating every game. It’s different.
"So let him take some more at experience from a high level at Sundowns, [who are] always in the Champions League. It will be good for him I think."
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