Kaizer Chiefs on-loan striker Khanyisa Mayo has fronted up to his recent struggles, delivering a candid assessment of his underwhelming form during the ongoing 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign.
Mayo joined Amakhosi on a season-long loan from Algerian giants CR Belouizdad, with the Soweto giants holding an option to make the move permanent at the end of the term. The transfer was strategically designed to help the 27-year-old rediscover his clinical edge following a challenging stint in North Africa.
The left-footed attacker originally moved to Algeria in July 2024, joining Belouizdad from Cape Town City FC. During his time with the Citizens, Mayo solidified his reputation as one of the PSL’s most lethal finishers. His pinnacle came during the 2022/23 season when he claimed the Premiership Golden Boot after netting 12 goals, sharing the prestigious award with Mamelodi Sundowns talisman Peter Shalulile.
By the end of his tenure in the Mother City, Mayo had tallied 29 goals and six assists in 93 appearances across all competitions. However, replicating that prolific form at CR Belouizdad proved difficult. Over the course of 41 matches for the Algerian outfit, he managed six goals and one assist, ultimately prompting the club to sanction his return to South Africa in search of regular game time and a return to his best form.
WHAT KHANYISA MAYO SAID ABOUT HIS FORM AT CHIEFS
The former Richards Bay FC star has had a slow start to life with the Naturena-based side after scoring just one goal in 12 matches.
With Mayo struggling to find his rhythm at Naturena, the 27-year-old has acknowledged the battle for a spot in the starting eleven. He currently finds himself in competition for a place in the Amakhosi attack, vying for minutes against a deep roster of striking talent that includes Ashley Du Preez, Flávio Silva, Wandile Duba, Etiosa Ighodaro, Tashreeq Morris, and the youthful Luke Baartman.
“There are six strikers that I’m competing with, you know, and they’ve been doing well for the club. Every time I’m called upon, I try my best to help the team and get positive results,” Mayo said.
“I’ve managed to come into games where I’ve made an impact, and I’ve managed to come to games where I didn’t make an impact, but that’s football for you. For me. It’s just to be happy for someone that’s playing ahead of me, and when it’s my time to shine, that person also has to be happy for me.”
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