Mailula opens up on Bafana call: I think it could've happened earlier

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Cassius Mailula admits he was surprised to receive a call up for Bafana.

The 21-year-old is the youngest player in Hugo Broos' national team squad for the upcoming double header against Liberia.

He was expected to be a part of the Under 23 side for their AFCON qualifiers, but Broos rewarded Mailula for his good form that has seen the player net 14 goals in 23 games in all competitions for the Brazilians this season.

When asked about his selection, the young player told SAFA media: "For me, it came as a surprise because I didn't expect to pop up so early.

"I thought that I'll actually be in the U23 [team], but it was actually good that someone out there can see my hard work. I was actually happy, so excited and ready to also make it to the 23-man squad.

"They say dreams do actually come true [and] for me it's always been something that I wanted. I think it could've happened earlier because they always took me back to the junior teams to keep on pushing myself.

"[But] I think it came at the right time, at the right space where I was feeling good about myself and where everything is just ok. Emotionally, physically and psychologically I was actually ready for this challenge."

Bafana take on Liberia in South Africa on 24 March and away from home in Monrovia on 28 March.