Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has given his verdict on Khanyisa Mayo’s goal-scoring debut, stating that the team “needs more from him” after the 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium in Soweto.
Mayo impressed in his Chiefs debut, opening the scoring just before halftime in the Betway Premiership tie. The goal was a perfect way for the new signing to introduce himself to the Amakhosi faithful and follow in the footsteps of his father, Patrick Mayo, who played for the Soweto giants as a striker and defender from 2003 to 2007.
The attacker, who returned to South Africa from Algerian side CR Belouizdad to revive his career, was met with a huge roar of applause from the supporters when he was replaced by Glody Lilepo shortly before the hour mark.
However, Chiefs couldn’t hold onto their lead. In the 75th minute, Jaisen Clifford scored a delightful equaliser with a curling shot, settling the match at 1-1.
CHIEFS’ BEN YOUSSEF: ‘WE NEED MORE FROM MAYO’
Ben Youssef was full of praise for Mayo, but noted that the striker is not yet fit enough for a full match. Despite the physical limitations, Chiefs’ assistant coach was pleased with Mayo’s performance, which saw the Bafana Bafana international create several chances and score the opening goal.
“Regarding Khanyisa Mayo, he was waiting for his paperwork to be done, and now he is available to play with us in the PSL,” said Ben Youssef. “But we knew even before the game that physically he is not ready to play for 90 minutes, and it was prepared before the game that we would play between 50 and 60 minutes.”
“I think the performance of Mayo in his first start for the team was good. He performed very well. He gave us a lot of opportunities to score, and he scored the first goal. We need more from Mayo because we know his quality and we know what he can do for the team as well; what he brings to the team.”
Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze have been in charge of Amakhosi since the defeat against Sekhukhune United in the league. The Glamour Boys asked head coach Nasreddine Nabi to step aside amid reports of a breakdown in the relationship between both parties. Ben Youssef and Kaze served as assistant coaches to Nabi.
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