Kaizer Chiefs: Khanyisa Mayo return delayed as Nkosingiphile Ngcobo told to fight for place

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz says striker Khanyisa Mayo is not yet ready to return to the matchday squad, while midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo has been urged to work his way back into contention.

Da Cruz gave the update before Sunday’s Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final against Siwelele FC, with both players currently outside the club’s first-team plans.

Mayo has been unavailable since undergoing surgery in July and is continuing his fitness programme. Ngcobo, meanwhile, has lost his place in the team and faces strong competition for selection in his position.

“Khanyisa Mayo is not ready physically for the moment, he’s working hard to come back. Speaking about Mshini, he has a lot of competition in his position, with Shabalala [Mduduzi], Vilakazi [Mfundo], who are able to play in his position as well. He must keep his motivation, he must keep working,” da Cruz said.

The competition for places at Kaizer Chiefs will increase after the club completed the signing of winger Elias Mokwana on a free transfer this week.

However, supporters will not see Mokwana in action before the FIFA break. The coach said the international interval would give the new arrival time to regain his sharpness and become familiar with his team-mates.

“Yes, Mokwana is a very good player, an experienced player as well. He was in Bafana Bafana before, so he has a lot of quality as well,” da Cruz added.

“We know that his beginning of the season was a bit inactive but we have the FIFA break, so during the FIFA break we will have the time to work with him and I think after the FIFA break will be the time to integrate him step by step in the squad.”

Mokwana’s arrival provides Da Cruz with another attacking option as Kaizer Chiefs prepare for their cup quarter-final. The coach’s comments also make clear that Mayo’s recovery is still ongoing, while Ngcobo must compete with Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi for opportunities in his role.

For now, the focus remains on Sunday’s meeting with Siwelele FC, with Mayo unavailable and Mokwana waiting until after the FIFA break to begin his integration into the squad.