Tsepo Masilela Surprised by Kaizer Chiefs Signing Khanyisa Mayo Permanently
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana defender Tsepo Masilela has expressed his surprise after Amakhosi decided to make Khanyisa Mayo’s move permanent, despite what he believes was a disappointing loan spell at Naturena.
Mayo arrived at Kaizer Chiefs with expectations of becoming a key figure in the club’s attack, but his first season in the famous gold and black jersey was disrupted by injuries and limited opportunities. The striker struggled to find consistency and failed to make the kind of impact many supporters had hoped for.
However, Chiefs have chosen to keep faith in the forward by securing his services permanently ahead of the new campaign.
The decision has raised questions, with Masilela admitting that Mayo’s performances last season did not convince him that the striker had done enough to earn a long term contract.
Speaking on Soccer Beat, the former left-back shared his honest assessment of Mayo’s time at the club.
“To be honest, none of Mayo’s performances last season convinced me that he was the striker Chiefs should sign permanently. He didn’t convince me at all,” Masilela said.
Masilela Believes Chiefs May Have Needed More Attacking Options
While questioning the decision, Masilela suggested that Chiefs’ current squad situation may have played a role in the club’s choice to retain Mayo.
The club has recently made changes to its squad, leaving uncertainty around its attacking options ahead of the new season. Masilela believes Chiefs may have viewed Mayo as a player worth developing rather than allowing him to leave.
“Maybe it’s because they have released some players and are looking at what they have upfront. They have Flavio Da Silva, Ashley du Preez, and there is still uncertainty over Etiosa Ighodaro,” he explained.
“Perhaps they felt it was a good deal and decided to give him another chance.”
With Chiefs rebuilding under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz, Mayo will now have an opportunity to prove his value and silence the doubters.
New Coach Could Give Mayo a Fresh Start
Masilela believes the arrival of Da Cruz could provide Mayo with the platform he needs to revive his career at Naturena.
A new coach often brings different tactics, fresh ideas and opportunities for players who previously struggled to find their rhythm. For Mayo, the change in leadership could represent a turning point.
The striker is also now permanently settled back in South Africa, which could help him focus on regaining confidence and finding his best form.
Kaizer Chiefs supporters will hope the club’s decision proves to be a smart investment. After a difficult first season, Mayo now has the chance to show why Amakhosi believed he was worth keeping.
The pressure will be high, but the upcoming campaign offers the forward a fresh opportunity to prove that he belongs among the club’s leading attacking options.
