Petersen backs confident Mayo to overcome difficult Chiefs campaign

Brandon Petersen says Kaizer Chiefs forward Khanyisa Mayo has the confidence and character to recover from last season’s struggles and make a strong return when he is fit again.

Mayo has now joined Amakhosi on a permanent basis after a difficult campaign at the club while on loan from Algerian side CR Belouizdad. The attacker is currently recovering from an injury, but Petersen believes his self-belief will help him avoid being mentally affected by the setbacks he experienced last term.

The goalkeeper said Mayo’s ability had already been demonstrated during his time with Cape Town City and Belouizdad, and that a temporary loss of form was a normal part of a footballer’s career.

“We know Mayo’s qualities (from) the time he played in Cape Town and when he played for Belouizdad. It showed you that the quality is there and it’s normal for a player to sometimes go through a dip and all of that, but the most important thing is how you pick yourself up,” Petersen told media earlier this week.

Mayo scored only two goals last season, but Petersen said the 29-year-old remained a positive influence within the squad and continued to work hard despite being unavailable.

“He’s sidelined now, he’s injured, but he is a good guy. He’s a hard worker and he’s a guy who is full of confidence. For me, it’s easy to pick up a guy like that because they are hardly down, whether they are doing well or not. They believe in their qualities and what they can do on the field. On the day, if it doesn’t show up, there is another time to try and keep going. For me, everyone knows the qualities that Mayo has and we are looking forward to him returning to the field of play.”

Petersen added that Mayo’s confidence would be important as he works his way back into contention at Kaizer Chiefs. The Soweto club have strengthened their attacking options, meaning the forward faces increased competition once he returns.

Mayo is capable of playing as a number nine or in a wide position. Kaizer Chiefs have added further competition on the flanks through the signings of Langelihle Phili and Faiz Abrahams.

That competition could make it more difficult for Mayo to secure a regular place in the starting team, but Petersen remains convinced that the former Cape Town City player can respond positively. The goalkeeper said Mayo’s belief in his own ability meant he was unlikely to remain affected for long by a poor performance or a difficult spell.

For now, Mayo’s immediate priority is recovering from his injury. Kaizer Chiefs will hope he can return to the field, regain his rhythm and show the qualities that persuaded the club to make his move permanent.