Da Cruz: Mayo is not far but not ready for this type of game

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has given an update on two of his strikers, saying Khanyisa Mayo is close to being ready while new signing Etiosa Ighodaro still needs time to understand the way the team plays.

Speaking after Chiefs’ recent 2-1 loss to Orlando Pirates, Da Cruz explained why neither forward featured regularly. “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,” the coach said. “And with Ighodaro, he needs to understand the game model, so we’ll work with him.”

Mayo joined Amakhosi with big expectations after strong performances for Cape Town City and a spell in Algeria. Supporters have been waiting to see more of the South African international, but fitness issues have limited his minutes. Da Cruz believes the striker has the quality, yet he does not want to rush him back into high-intensity matches.

Ighodaro, the Nigerian forward signed as a new attacking option, also has work to do. The coach feels the player can become useful once he fully grasps Chiefs’ style of play. Physical strength alone is not enough; he must fit into the team’s tactical plan.

Da Cruz stressed the importance of being match-ready against strong sides. “He can be another solution… 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.

The comments come as Chiefs continue to build their attack under the French coach. Having Mayo and Ighodaro available will give the squad more options up front, but both need to reach the right level before they can be trusted in every fixture. Da Cruz made it clear that the process will take time and careful management.

For now, the focus remains on getting Mayo fully fit and helping Ighodaro adapt. Once both players are ready, Chiefs hope they will add the extra threat needed in tight games, especially against rivals who keep the pressure high until the final whistle. Fans will be watching closely to see when the pair can finally walk into the starting lineup together.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2116806877375873273

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