Kaizer Chiefs provide Khanyisa Mayo injury update as Nkosingiphile Ngcobo faces midfield competition

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says Khanyisa Mayo is making progress in his recovery but is not yet physically ready to return to competitive action.

Mayo has not played for Chiefs during the 2026/27 campaign after being ruled out with an injury. Da Cruz also explained why midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo has played only a limited role for the Soweto club this season.

Ngcobo has appeared in two matches so far: one in the Betway Premiership and one in the MTN8, according to Transfermarkt.

The lack of involvement from both players had led to questions about their situations, but Da Cruz said there was no separate issue affecting either player.

“There is nothing that happened with these two players, as I have already said last time, Khanyisa Mayo is not ready physically for the moment,” Da Cruz told the media.

“He worked hard for that to come back, but he’s on the good way.”

Competition for Ngcobo

Da Cruz said Ngcobo, also known as Mshini, faces strong competition for a place in the attacking midfield areas.

The coach highlighted the presence of teammates Shabalala and Vilakazi, who can also operate in the same position.

“And to speak about Mshini [Nkosingiphile Ngcobo], he has a lot of competition for his position, with Shabalala, and Vilakazi, who is able to play in this position as well,” Da Cruz said.

“So he must keep his motivation; he must keep working, because we need everyone during the season.”

Chiefs will next be in action on Sunday, when they meet Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The match offers Ngcobo another opportunity to compete for minutes as Chiefs attempt to reach the semi-finals. Mayo, however, remains unavailable while he continues his rehabilitation.