Mayo Excited to Live His Dream at Kaizer Chiefs

Striker Khanyisa Mayo says joining Kaizer Chiefs is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

Mayo joined Amakhosi last month after being deemed surplus to requirements by Algerian giants CR Belouizdad, despite making nearly 50 appearances during his debut season in North Africa last term.

The 27-year-old had joined Belouizdad from Cape Town City, where he established himself as one of the Premier Soccer League’s top forwards.

Mayo made an immediate impact at Chiefs, scoring on his debut with a close-range header in a 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium on 24 September.

This past weekend, the striker came close to scoring again when his powerful shot crashed against the crossbar as Amakhosi were held to a goalless draw by AS Simba in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round match in Kinshasa.

Having moved from Cape Town City to Algeria and now back home to Chiefs — the club where he first played in the development structures as a six-year-old — Mayo admits the journey has taken a toll on him mentally.

“It has been tough playing outside the country,” Mayo said.
“You have to familiarise yourself with different cultures and environments. But now I’m back home — where I feel loved and where I’m truly happy. I’m at the place I’ve always wanted to be as a footballer. There’s really no better feeling than that.”

Mayo is the son of Chiefs legend Patrick Mayo, who won two league titles with the club and later transitioned into a defensive role as a center-back.

Khanyisa now joins an exclusive group of players whose fathers also wore the famous gold and black jersey. That list includes Dr. Kaizer Motaung and Kaizer Motaung Jr., Eliakim Khumalo and Doctor Khumalo, Joseph Mkhonza and Siphiwe Mkhonza, Fabian McCarthy and Aden McCarthy, as well as Ace Nkomo and Morgan Gould.

Chiefs, currently sitting fourth on the Betway Premiership table, will host Siwelele in their next league fixture at FNB Stadium on Wednesday at 19:30.