Revealed: Why Kaizer Chiefs’ Khanyisa Mayo lasted an hour against Marumo Gallants

Kaizer Chiefs managed to sign their long-term target Khanyisa Mayo, albeit on loan, from Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad.

Coach Sead Ramovic felt the 27-year-old couldn't fit in his plans for the season, explaining why he opted to let him leave. In his debut season in North Africa, the former Cape Town City player played 41 games across all competitions, but managed to find the back of the net six times, with an assist to his name.

Amakhosi needed Mayo to help revamp their attacking department which had struggled to deliver in the last couple of years. Flavio Silva and Etiosa Ighodaro are the other players who had been signed by the Amakhosi management.

Why did Mayo last an hour in a draw with Gallants?

The South Africa international made his debut for the Soweto giants on Wednesday in the Premier Soccer League, which ended 1-1. Mayo scored on his debut but was subbed after an hour, despite being a threat to the opponent's defense. Club's assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has since explained the reason behind the decision.

“For Khanyisa Mayo, we were waiting for his papers and now he’s available to play in the PSL, but we know that physically he’s not yet ready for a full 90 minutes. It was prepared before the game, he will do 50-60 minutes,” he told the media.

“I think the performance of Mayo, as a [debut], he did very well, he performed very well, he made many opportunities, and he scored the first goal; we need more from Mayo, we know his quality, we know what he can do for the team, and what he can bring to this team.”

Mayo is expected to feature on Saturday as Kaizer Chiefs host Angolan side Kabuscorp in the second leg of the first preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup. Amakhosi lost the last meeting by a solitary goal.