Kaizer Chiefs legend Stanton Fredericks believes Cassius Mailula is ready for a move to Europe despite concerns that the striker has had just one season in top-flight football.
With 14 goals and four assists under his belt in 23 appearances, Mailula has been one of the revelations of the season from his club Mamelodi Sundowns.
One of the biggest talking points has been the 21-year-old's readiness for the European football, with Bafana head coach Hugo Broos expressing concern that the player has played just one season of Premier league and CAF Champions League football.
"Whether we like it or not, the only way for South Africa to improve is for players to play overseas," Fredericks said.
"I heard that [Broos's comments over Mailula not being ready], and this is not me going up against the coach. He has his opinion, he's a coach, I'm not a coach but I've played there, I know that sometimes when you go too early, you can fail and I think that's what the coach is saying.
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"But me seeing Mailula, a team that scouts him will understand that there is potential that must be tapped into and for me, the earlier Mailula goes, the better for him, the country, the better for the player and the better for his team-mates.
"So that's my perception, I'm not against Hugo Broos, I'm a big fan of Hugo Broos because he's changed the face of Bafana. He's giving youngsters an opponent, he understands s that let's not look for results now, let's look for the results in the next five years,
"I think the squad that he's selected now, I'm very positive about."
Mailula is in line to make his Bafana Bafana debut when South Africa takes on Liberia on Friday night at Orlando Stadium in an Afcon qualifier clash.
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