Kaizer Chiefs striker Khanyisa Mayo nearing return, says Fernando Da Cruz

Kaizer Chiefs striker Khanyisa Mayo is moving closer to a return from injury, although head coach Fernando Da Cruz says he must still improve his physical condition before being considered for selection.

Mayo has not played for Amakhosi this season after suffering an injury setback. Da Cruz said the forward’s comeback was approaching but stressed that he was not yet ready for the demands of competitive action.

“Mayo is not far, and he is a quality player. But physically he wasn’t ready to play this kind of game, so he must work again and again,” Da Cruz told journalists.

The French coach was speaking after Chiefs’ 2-1 Soweto Derby defeat by Orlando Pirates, in which he also explained the limited involvement of Etiosa Ighodaro.

Da Cruz said the Nigerian striker was still becoming familiar with Chiefs’ approach and had yet to fully understand the team’s playing model.

“For the moment, he has a lack of understanding of the model of the game, so we work with him and he could be another solution,” he said.

Da Cruz highlights Pirates’ physical threat

The Chiefs manager also identified Orlando Pirates’ intensity as a key factor in the derby, particularly during the closing stages.

He said Pirates were able to maintain a high tempo in the final 20 minutes and strengthen their performance by introducing quality substitutes.

“When we play this team, Pirates, we must be ready on the physical side, because we have seen in the last 20 minutes, they play with a lot of intensity. They put a fresh player with quality, so we must be ready.”