Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has delivered an update on attackers Khanyisa Mayo and Etiosa Ighodaro following the Glamour Boys’ 2–1 Soweto Derby defeat to Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Amakhosi dropped all three points in the Betway Premiership title race after goals from Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi sealed a decisive victory for the defending champions. Pule Mmodi scored the lone goal for the Naturena-based side.
The disappointing result leaves Chiefs trailing log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 12 points, while sitting 11 points behind second-placed Pirates. Amakhosi currently occupy fifth position on the table with 14 points, having recorded three wins, five draws, and one defeat across nine matches.
Following the derby setback, Da Cruz clarified Mayo’s return timeline, explaining that while the left-footed forward is closing in on a return to action, he was not yet match-fit to feature against Pirates.
FERNANDO DA CRUZ OPENS UP ON KHAYISA MAYO INJURY AND ETIOSA OGHODARO’S ABSENCE
“Mayo is not far [from returning from injury], but today [Saturday] he was not physically ready to play this type of game. He must keep on working hard,” Da Cruz said.
Mayo committed his long-term future to the Soweto giants by signing a permanent contract during the off-season. Mayo spent the previous campaign on loan at Chiefs from Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad, making 15 appearances across all competitions with two goals to his name.
However, Mayo has yet to feature in a competitive match under Da Cruz this season as he continues his injury rehabilitation. In his absence, players such as Wandile Duba, Flavio Silva and Luke Baartman shared the striking duties.
The 28-year-old will be looking to rediscover his best form and start banging in goals for Chiefs upon his return to action as they aim to return to their glory days under the leadership of Da Cruz.
Meanwhile, the French mentor also addressed the absence of Etiosa Ighodaro from the matchday squad, revealing that the Nigerian striker is still adapting to the technical team’s tactical system.
“For Ighodaro, at the moment has a lack of understanding of our game model but we are working with him and he could be another solution for us.
“When we play a team like Pirates, we must be ready on the physical side because we’ve seen the last 20 minutes of the match, they play with a lot of intensity and they put fresh players with a lot of quality, so we must be ready.”
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