The opening whistle of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign is just two weeks away, but Kaizer Chiefs have been dealt a massive double injury setback. New head coach Fernando Da Cruz is set to begin his tenure against top-flight debutants Kruger United without star forward Khanyisa Mayo and veteran left-back Paseka Mako.
The missing duo leaves Amakhosi dangerously thin on attacking firepower and defensive depth right out of the gate.
Mayo Sidelined Following Surgery
Marquee striker Khanyisa Mayo, who missed the club’s entire pre-season tour of Spain, is expected to sit out at least the opening month of the competitive season:
- The Injury: Mayo underwent hernia surgery shortly after the conclusion of the previous campaign.
- The Impact: His absence strips Da Cruz of a clinical focal point in the final third, leaving newly signed forward Flávio Silva to carry the entire goalscoring burden during the opening fixtures.
Mako Flies Home With Fractured Forearm
Left-back Paseka Mako’s ill-fated pre-season came to an abrupt end in Europe after the 32-year-old suffered a fractured forearm during a friendly fixture against Saudi side Al-Kholood.
- Current Status: Mako has flown back to South Africa to consult an orthopedic specialist to determine the full extent of the damage.
- The Impact: With no official timeline set for his recovery, Bradley Cross is left as the squad’s only experienced, natural option at left-back.
Transfer Market Alarm Bells Triggered?
These back-to-back setbacks expose glaring structural vulnerabilities in the Chiefs squad. With crucial fixtures mounting—including their league opener against Kruger United and the upcoming Toyota Cup—management may be forced to plunge back into the transfer market to recruit immediate cover upfront and on the left flank before the window closes.
