Khanyisa Mayo explains what is behind his reduced playing time at Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs striker Khanyisa Mayo has explained what is behind his limited playing time in recent weeks.

Mayo has started just two games since the year started with three substitute appearances while he is still waiting for his second goal since scoring on his debut in late September.

The striker, who has also missed some games due to injury, is on loan at Chiefs from Algerian side CR Belouizdad and with his form and reduced game time, there are fears that the club might opt out of signing him permanently.

However, Mayo says his reduced game time is not of his own making as he has to contend with stiff competition, given the many strikers at the club.

 Mayo on why he is playing less

“Yeah definitely [you have not seen the best of me], for now, I’m competing with six other players that are doing well at the moment, and scoring in the games that they get, so for me it’s to be happy for the person that’s playing right now,” Mayo said as quoted by iDiski Times.

“When it’s my time to shine, he will need to be happy for me, now I’m happy for the person in front of goals in this particular for the club.”

Mayo joined Chiefs to much fanfare but has not been as prolific as it was hoped while his situation and that of other players at the club has become worse due to the fact that they were eliminated from all cup competitions and now only have the PSL to contest.

Who are the other Chiefs strikers?

Chiefs have seven strikers at the club with Mayo competing with Etiosa Ighadaro, Flavio da Silva, Luke Baartman, Mfundo Vilakazi, Tashreeq Morris and Ashley Du Preez, making it hard for any of them to play regularly.

Mayo has 14 games left to impress but it will depend on how often coaches Cedric Kaze and Ben Youssef select him with his future set to be a subject of discussion at the end of the season although his agent Basia Michaels made it clear he has no desire to return to Algeria.

Chiefs have a big match coming up as they will host bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday.