Khanyisa Mayo will have his work cut out at Kaizer Chiefs, says CR Belouizdad coach
Khanyisa Mayo’s (left) season-long loan to Kaizer Chiefs is seen as a crucial opportunity for the striker to regain form and confidence, despite facing high competition and pressure at the club, according to his former coach at CR Belouizdad. Picture: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Image: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
As Khanyisa Mayo prepares to join Kaizer Chiefs on a season-long loan, his former coach at CR Belouizdad has revealed why the striker did not fit in at the North African club.
The 27-year-old’s move to Naturena was confirmed by Chiefs exactly a week ago, as the Soweto Giants look to beef their striking stocks in the Betway Premiership.
Mayo was at Cape Town City for three years before the move to Belouizdad last season, where he featured mostly off the bench and struggled to find the back of the net regularly.
CR Belouizdad coach Sead Ramovic spoke glowingly of Mayo, as he explained why his move back home was the right move for the player.
Khanyisa Mayo's Move to Chiefs: A Game-Changer for His Career
"Khanyisa [Mayo] is a quality striker and a real professional, but every player needs the right conditions to reach his best level. With us, his role was limited, and as a forward, you can’t grow without rhythm, confidence, and consistent minutes," he told Soccer Laduma.
"At Chiefs, he will get, hopefully, that platform, and that’s why this move is the best step for him. As a head coach, my responsibility is to make decisions that respect the player’s career while also keeping the club moving forward, and this was the right solution for both sides.”
High Competition and Pressure: Challenges for Mayo at Chiefs, Says Ramovic
It won’t all be plain sailing for Mayo as the competition for places in the Chiefs team is high, explained Ramovic.
"I know South African football very well, and Chiefs are a special club with massive expectations.
“For Khanyisa, it won’t be easy because the pressure there is also high. Even if smaller than what we face here at Belouizdad.
"But I believe he has the qualities to succeed. In the end, talent opens the door, but mentality decides whether you can stay there. If he embraces the pressure, he has every chance to make it.”