Da Cruz Clarifies Exclusions of Mayo and Ighodaro

November 2, 2026 sportnow Kaizer Chiefs’ head coach Fernando Da Cruz has stated that Khanyisa Mayo is not yet physically prepared to compete at the necessary level, which is why the forward has not been included in the matchday squad this season. Mayo has not featured for Amakhosi in this campaign and has missed out on the matchday selections, with ongoing fitness concerns preventing his inclusion.

The forward initially joined Chiefs on loan from MC Alger last season before making a permanent transfer to Naturena this season. However, he struggled to make a notable impact during his loan period.

Mayo also did not participate in the club’s pre-season tour in Spain and has yet to establish himself as a consistent option under Da Cruz.

In the aftermath of Chiefs’ disappointing 2-1 loss to Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday, Da Cruz addressed the reason for Mayo’s absence from the squad.

“No, Mayo is not lacking in quality. However, he still needs to work on his physical condition,” Da Cruz commented.

“He is not yet physically equipped to play at this level, making it tough to select players who aren’t physically prepared for such intense games. He must keep putting in the effort to achieve the necessary standards.”

The Chiefs coach also addressed the status of Etiosa Ighodaro, who has faced challenges in securing regular playing time since the season began and has also been omitted from the matchday squad recently.

“As for Ighodaro, I think he is about 22 or 23 years old, so he should be physically ready. Nonetheless, he is still trying to grasp our playing style fully. We are assisting him, and he could become another viable option for us,” Da Cruz elaborated.

“Competing against a team like Orlando Pirates requires physical readiness due to their high intensity. We observed that in the last 20 minutes of the match. Our energy levels declined, while they were able to introduce fresh, quality players who raised the intensity and put us on the back foot.

“We must be physically prepared to face teams like Pirates.”

Chiefs will now focus on their upcoming challenge against Siwelele in the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup.

Both Mayo and Ighodaro will be keen to earn a spot in the matchday squad as they strive to regain form and demonstrate to Da Cruz that they are ready to contribute to the team.