Khanyisa Mayo lands at Naturena – Can Kaizer Chiefs finally fight for the title?

After seasons of wasted chances costing them dearly, Kaizer Chiefs believe they’ve found the solution in Khanyisa Mayo – a loan signing from CR Belouizdad that could transform their title hopes.

Over the last two seasons, putting chances away was the biggest issue that held the club back. Head coach Nasreddine Nabi made his frustration known during the last campaign after his side often outplayed the opposition, but failed to pick up maximum points as they did not convert the chances they created.

This season, they’ve done their best to address that with the signings they’ve made.

Now, in Mayo, Chiefs have signed a sniper who brings relentless energy in attack. He also has exceptional off-the-ball awareness and can press opponents aggressively after possession is lost, which would sound like music to Nabi’s ears.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.

His versatility also allows him to be effective in a number of attacking positions. And after sharing the Golden Boot with Peter Shalulile when he played for Cape Town City in the 2022/23 season, he certainly knows how to put the ball in the back of the net.

In short, Chiefs have signed a very good player and everyone associated with the club should be excited with what he offers.

The club have come under fire from some portions of their fanbase over what they perceive to be underwhelming transfer deals. The move for Mayo should help ease that criticism.

Mayo joins the club at the perfect time. The club have made a brilliant start to the 2025/26 campaign and sit second in the league with four wins and a draw from their five games. It might be too early to say they will be fighting for the title, but the signings they’ve made suggest the club are about to become competitive again.

Mayo’s arrival also sends a clear message to their rivals: Kaizer Chiefs are no longer content with being on the periphery of the title race. By targeting proven quality in front of goal, they have addressed the most glaring weakness in their squad and signalled that they are building a team capable of matching the very best in the league.

The 27-year-old’s pedigree, coupled with the hunger he has shown in recent seasons, makes him a player who can thrive under the pressure of Naturena.

If Mayo settles quickly and combines well with the creative players around him, Chiefs could finally have the ruthless edge they’ve been lacking. For a fan base starved of silverware, the prospect of watching a revitalised attack led by one of South Africa’s most dangerous forwards offers real hope.

This signing might not just shape the current campaign, but also set the tone for a new era of ambition at Kaizer Chiefs.

IOL Sport

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.