Da Cruz explains Mayo and Ighodaro absences after Chiefs’ Soweto Derby defeat

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says Khanyisa Mayo and Etiosa Ighodaro are being kept out of the first-team squad for different reasons as the club responds to Saturday’s 2–1 Soweto Derby loss to Orlando Pirates.

Speaking after the defeat at FNB Stadium, Da Cruz said Mayo was close to returning from injury but had not reached the physical level required for such an intense match. Ighodaro, meanwhile, is still adapting to the team’s tactical approach.

The technical staff do not want to rush either striker into competitive action before they are ready.

“Mayo is not far [from returning from injury], but today [Saturday] he was not physically ready to play this type of game. He must keep on working hard,” Da Cruz said.

“For Ighodaro, at the moment, has a lack of understanding of our game model, but we are working with him, and he could be another solution for us.”

Mayo has not played under Da Cruz this season as he continues his rehabilitation. Although he is nearing full match fitness, the forward was considered unprepared for the physical demands of the derby.

Ighodaro’s most recent appearance came on 12 August, when he made a brief tactical contribution against Sekhukhune United. The Nigerian striker must now develop a full understanding of Kaizer Chiefs’ game model before he can be considered for more playing time.

Da Cruz also pointed to the intensity required to compete with Orlando Pirates, particularly during the closing stages of the match.

“When we play a team like Pirates, we must be ready on the physical side because we’ve seen the last 20 minutes of the match, they play with a lot of intensity and they put fresh players with a lot of quality, so we must be ready,” he said.

The defeat leaves Kaizer Chiefs turning their attention to cup competition as they seek an immediate response. Their next match is a Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final against Siwelele F.C.

The match will take place at Kaizer Chiefs’ home ground on Friday, November 6, giving Da Cruz another opportunity to assess his squad and decide whether either Mayo or Ighodaro is ready to contribute.

For now, the club’s position remains clear: Mayo must continue working towards full physical readiness, while Ighodaro needs further time to understand the tactical demands of the team before securing a regular place in the first-team picture.