Da Cruz Sends a Clear Message About Mayo and Ighodaro as Chiefs Look for More Goals

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has provided an update on Khanyisa Mayo and new striker Etiosa Ighodaro, explaining why the two forwards are yet to become regular options in his attacking department. The coach has made it clear that both players still need time and preparation before they can make a bigger contribution to the team as Amakhosi continue their campaign.

Mayo arrived at Naturena with high expectations after establishing himself as one of the recognisable attacking players in South African football. The former Cape Town City striker was expected to bring goals, experience and quality to the Chiefs attack. However, his involvement has been limited as he continues working towards reaching full match fitness.

Many Chiefs supporters have been eager to see Mayo getting more opportunities, especially considering what he showed during his time at Cape Town City. His arrival raised expectations among the Amakhosi faithful, who are hoping that he can help solve some of the team’s attacking problems. However, Da Cruz believes there is no reason to rush the striker before he is physically ready to handle the demands of competitive matches.

The French coach has indicated that Mayo is getting closer to being available for more involvement, but his physical condition remains an important consideration. He wants the striker to return gradually rather than putting him into a difficult match before he is ready.

“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, and with Ighodaro, he needs to understand the game model, so we’ll work with him,” Da Cruz said.

Meanwhile, Ighodaro is another player who could provide Chiefs with an important attacking option as the season progresses. The Nigerian striker has the opportunity to strengthen the team’s forward department, but he still needs to understand how Da Cruz wants his team to play.

According to the coach, learning the team’s game model is an important part of the process. Ighodaro must become familiar with the tactical instructions and understand his responsibilities when Chiefs attack and defend. This will help him fit into the team and give the coach another option when making changes during matches.

Da Cruz also highlighted the importance of physical preparation, particularly when facing a team like Orlando Pirates. He believes Chiefs must be able to maintain their intensity until the final whistle because their opponents have quality players who can make a difference after coming off the bench.

“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,” Da Cruz added.

His comments show that the Chiefs coach is looking beyond the starting eleven and wants his entire squad to be prepared for the challenges ahead. Having quality players available is important, but they must also be physically ready and understand their roles within the team.

For now, Mayo’s return to full fitness and Ighodaro’s adaptation to the team’s playing style remain important issues at Naturena. Chiefs supporters will be hoping that both forwards can eventually become reliable options for Da Cruz as Amakhosi look to improve their attacking performances and compete more strongly against their biggest rivals.

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