Chiefs Fans Have Been Waiting For This: Da Cruz Drops Major Update On Mayo And Ighodaro

Kaizer Chiefs Injury Boost? Da Cruz Reveals When Mayo Could Return As Ighodaro Faces Another Challenge

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has provided an important update on the situations of strikers Khanyisa Mayo and Etiosa Ighodaro, explaining why the two forwards have not yet become regular options in his attacking department.

The update comes after Amakhosi suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium. The result ended Chiefs’ unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership campaign and increased the pressure on Da Cruz to find solutions to the team’s attacking challenges.

Mayo’s absence has been particularly noticeable among supporters who were hoping to see the forward make a significant contribution after joining the club permanently during the recent off-season.

However, Da Cruz has indicated that the South African striker is getting closer to returning, although he does not want to rush him into a physically demanding match before he is ready.

Speaking after the derby defeat, the French coach acknowledged Mayo’s quality but explained that his physical condition was not sufficient for the intensity of the match against Pirates.

“Mayo is not far, he’s a quality player but for this game he was not physically ready to play this type of game, he must walk into the game,” Da Cruz said, as reported by iDiski Times.

The coach’s comments suggest that Mayo is approaching a return to action, but the technical team wants him to regain the necessary fitness before giving him a competitive opportunity.

Mayo joined Chiefs permanently after spending the previous campaign on loan from Algerian side CR Belouizdad. His experience and attacking qualities were expected to strengthen the Amakhosi frontline, making his continued absence an important talking point.

The 28-year-old has yet to make a competitive appearance under Da Cruz this season.

The situation surrounding Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro is different.

Rather than pointing to a physical problem, Da Cruz explained that the forward still needs to understand the team’s tactical approach before becoming a regular attacking option.

“With Ighodaro, he needs to understand the game model, so we’ll work with him,” the coach explained.

Da Cruz believes the Nigerian can provide another solution for Chiefs, but adapting to the team’s system remains an important part of his integration.

The coach also highlighted the physical demands of matches against high-intensity opponents such as Pirates.

“When we play teams like Pirates, we need to be physically ready, you see the last 20 minutes, they are full of intensity, they introduce fresh players with quality, so we must be ready,” he added.

Mayo and Ighodaro could provide Da Cruz with additional options as the season progresses, but their situations require different approaches.

Mayo needs to reach the required physical condition, while Ighodaro must continue adapting to the coach’s tactical expectations.

For Chiefs supporters, the hope is that both forwards will eventually strengthen an attacking department that needs greater consistency.

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