In a move that sends a clear message of intent for the 2025/26 season, Kaizer Chiefs have announced the signing of highly-rated Bafana Bafana striker Khanyisa Mayo.
Mayo joins Chiefs on a one-year loan deal, returning to South Africa after just one season with Algerian club CR Belouizdad.
The move comes after the forward was informed by CR Belouizdad head coach, Sead Ramovic, that he is not part of the club’s plans for the new 2025/26 campaign. He was not registered for CR Belouizdad’s new season and had been training away from the first team.
The 27-year-old has two years remaining on his contract with the Algerian Ligue 1 side, who initially signed him from Cape Town City FC.
In Algeria, Mayo made 41 appearances last season and netted six goals with one assist to his name in all competitions.
A FAMILY AFFAIR: KHANYISA MAYO CONTINUES FATHER’S LEGACY AT KAIZER CHIEFS
Other notable father-son connections at the club include chairman Dr Kaizer Motaung and Kaizer Motaung Jr, Eliakim and Doctor Khumalo, Joseph and Siphiwe Mkhonza. The list also comprises Fabian and Aden McCarthy, as well as Ace Nkomo and Morgan Gould.
On the international stage, Mayo, who won the 2022/23 PSL Golden Boot, has a solid pedigree. He has represented South Africa at the Under-17 and U-20 youth levels. In addition, Mayo has earned seven caps for Bafana Bafana.
Chiefs unveiled Mayo on Friday, sharing a video on their social media channels with the caption, “Amakhosi Family, our new signing has a message for you. We are looking forward to welcoming him home soon. We just couldn’t wait to let you know that Khanyisa Mayo is Khosified.”
In the video, Mayo expressed his excitement about wearing the black and gold colours of the Soweto giants.
“Hello, Amakhosi nation, this is Khanyisa Mayo. I’m very excited to tell you that I’ll be coming home to be part of the biggest football family in the world. I’m Khosified, and I can’t wait to see you and be part of the beautiful Khosi nation. My blood is gold and black. Love and peace. See you soon. Amakhosi for life,” he said.
The club also hinted at a future announcement. They added: “Welcome, Khosi. We look forward to revealing that special jersey number. Look out for the reveal coming soon.”
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