Kaizer Chiefs close to Khanyisa Mayo return after injury lay-off

Kaizer Chiefs could soon welcome Khanyisa Mayo back into their matchday squad after the striker resumed first-team training at Naturena.

Mayo has not made an official appearance for Amakhosi since completing a permanent move to the club before the start of the 2026/27 campaign. The 28-year-old spent the previous season on loan at the Soweto club from Algerian side CR Belouizdad before securing a permanent deal.

However, an injury prevented him from joining the squad for their pre-season tour of Spain. Mayo subsequently underwent a hernia operation, ruling him out of the opening stages of the 2026/27 PSL campaign.

His return to training means he could be available for selection this month, although no specific date has been confirmed. The current international break has given coach Fernando Da Cruz and his technical team additional time to work with Mayo, as well as other players recovering from injury.

Mayo endured a difficult loan spell last season, scoring only two goals across the campaign. His form led to uncertainty over whether Kaizer Chiefs would retain him, but the club’s management opted to show faith in the forward by offering him a permanent contract.

His return will provide Mayo with an opportunity to repay that confidence once he is back on the pitch.

Kaizer Chiefs are among four clubs in the top eight to have scored at least 10 goals this season. Da Cruz will nevertheless want his side to become more clinical with the chances they create.

Mayo’s availability, along with the possible return of Flavio da Silva after the international break, could strengthen the Soweto club’s efforts to reduce the gap to log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

The club’s supporters are also waiting for the return of winger Langelihle Phili, who remains another player expected to come back from injury soon.