Kaizer Chiefs receive attacking boost with Soweto Derby on the horizon

Kaizer Chiefs are set to receive a timely offensive boost, with forward Khanyisa Mayo edging closer to his competitive debut as a permanent Amakhosi player.

The former Cape Town City attacker has yet to feature in an official match this term after undergoing surgery for a hernia prior to the campaign.

The medical procedure sidelined the 28-year-old from the Soweto giants’ pre-season tour in Spain and ruled him out of the opening fixtures of the 2026/27 Premier Soccer League season.

Mayo back to full training at Chiefs

Mayo has since resumed full training with the senior squad at Naturena, raising hopes within the technical team that he could be available for selection before the end of the month.

The extended international window has provided head coach Fernando Da Cruz and his staff valuable time to integrate the forward and assess other players working their way back to full fitness.

Chiefs opted to secure Mayo on a permanent deal despite a difficult loan spell from Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad last season, during which he managed just two goals. Having received strong backing from the club’s hierarchy, the striker will be eager to prove his worth once cleared for competitive action.

Attacking boost before Soweto Derby

Although Amakhosi are among the few sides in the top eight to have reached double figures in goals scored, Da Cruz remains keen on improving his side’s efficiency in the final third.

Mayo’s return, coupled with the imminent availability of Flavio da Silva and young winger Langelihle Phili, should provide the firepower needed to maintain pressure on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

The availability of the forwards will boost Chiefs as they begin their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Red Arrows of Zambia and then take on Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby.