Mayo defended after blunder against AmaZulu – ‘Striker’s instinct is to finish’

Kaizer Chiefs forward Khanyisa Mayo has been receiving criticism following his blunder that saw the Glamour Boys miss an opportunity to win against AmaZulu on Wednesday.

Chiefs played a 1-1 draw but had a number of chances that were missed, including a penalty that Glody Lilepo took poorly, but one moment just before halftime proved pivotal.

With both teams tied 1-1, Pule Mmodi got into the box and beat AmaZulu goalkeeper Darren Johnson with the ball rolling into the net but Mayo followed it up and got a touch.

However, the new signing was coming from an offside position and what was supposed to be Mmodi’s goal was ruled out, leaving the winger disappointed and Mayo red faced with Chiefs failing to find another goal as the game ended 1-1.

Chiefs striker defended over dramatic incident

That has seen Mayo slammed for putting individual glory over the team with social media commentator Shakes Rampedi going hard on him after the game as he claimed the striker was looking for a moment of glory by stealing his team-mate’s thunder.

However, the South African Football Players’ Union (SAFPU) has jumped to the defence of the player, calling out the commentator for trying to trivialize the matter.

“Football should be analysed on the pitch. Dragging selfies & socials into football analysis is cheap. @KhanyisaMayo should be judged on the pitch – not by how many photos he posts or his social media following. Stop trying to humiliate players! Respect the players & the game,” SAFPU posted on X.

Why does SAFPU feel Mayo did nothing wrong?

Football should be analysed on the pitch. Dragging selfies & socials into football analysis is cheap. @KhanyisaMayo should be judged on the pitch – not by how many photos he posts or his social media following. Stop trying to humiliate players! Respect the players & the game. https://t.co/4YNnrEAcn8

— South African Football Players Union (@SAFPU_Official) October 2, 2025

The players’ union believes Mayo was just acting instinctively and not looking to steal the spotlight from Mmodi as it has been suggested by a section of fans.

“@KhanyisaMayo instinct to finish is what every striker is taught. To twist that moment into ridicule is reckless. Football is not played in slow motion and it’s decided in split seconds – not by hindsight critics.”

It is the latest in a series of rebuttals issued by SAFPU this week in defence of players, having hit out at ex-Chiefs star Junior Khanye over his strong opinions on players last weekend, before absolving Teboho Mokoena from blame over the embarrassing incident that saw Bafana Bafana docked points by FIFA on Monday.