Kaizer Chiefs boss Da Cruz gives fitness update on Mayo and Ighodaro

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz says Khanyisa Mayo is nearing full fitness, while new striker Etiosa Ighodaro is still adapting to the club’s tactical approach.

Mayo joined Chiefs from Cape Town City with a strong reputation as one of South African football’s leading attacking players, but his opportunities have so far been limited as he builds up his physical condition.

Da Cruz believes the forward is close to being ready, although he does not want to accelerate Mayo’s return before he is prepared for the demands of an intense match.

“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.

Ighodaro’s progress is being assessed on both physical and tactical grounds. Da Cruz sees the striker as an additional attacking option for Amakhosi, but says he must first develop a clear understanding of how Chiefs are expected to play.

The coach also emphasised the importance of having enough fitness and depth to cope with the full 90 minutes, particularly against opponents capable of increasing the tempo late in matches.

“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.”