Kaizer Chiefs could be preparing to strengthen their attack with the potential arrival of Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana, while head coach Fernando Da Cruz has delivered a positive update on injured striker Khanyisa Mayo.
The latest developments offer Amakhosi supporters plenty to discuss, with Mokwana reportedly edging closer to a move to Naturena and Mayo making progress towards his return to action.
However, both situations still have important details to be resolved.
Chiefs close in on Elias Mokwana
Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly emerged as serious contenders to sign Elias Mokwana, who previously attracted interest from the Soweto giants before choosing a move to Tunisia in 2024.
The 27-year-old joined Espérance from Sekhukhune United in a transfer reportedly worth approximately R7 million.
Mokwana spent a year with the Tunisian club before heading to Saudi Arabia on loan last season. His time away from Tunisia has also included an unsuccessful proposed move to Moroccan side Wydad Athletic Club, which reportedly collapsed because of player registration complications.
Chiefs have now entered the picture, with reports indicating that the winger has agreed to personal terms with the club.
Nevertheless, the transfer is not yet complete. The outstanding steps reportedly include finalising the remaining details and completing a medical examination.
If the move goes through, Mokwana could provide Chiefs with another attacking option, particularly in wide areas.
His experience with Bafana Bafana and previous exposure to different football environments could also add competition to the club’s attacking department.
Khanyisa Mayo edges closer to a return
While Mokwana’s potential arrival is attracting attention, Chiefs could also receive a welcome boost from within their current squad.
Striker Khanyisa Mayo has been sidelined by injury and is yet to feature for Amakhosi this season.
Head coach Fernando Da Cruz has now suggested that the forward is making progress, although he is not quite ready to return to competitive action.
Speaking about Mayo, Da Cruz said:
“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.”
The coach’s comments suggest that Mayo is approaching a return, but the club will not rush him back before he is physically prepared.
His availability would give Chiefs another option in the final third as they look to improve their attacking output.
Ighodaro also needs time to adapt
Da Cruz also addressed the need for Ighodaro to become more familiar with the team’s playing philosophy.
The coach indicated that the forward still needs time to understand the demands of the system before he can fully contribute.
That could be an important factor as Chiefs work to improve their attacking combinations and build greater consistency in front of goal.
With Mayo nearing fitness and Mokwana potentially on the way, Amakhosi could have more attacking options available in the coming weeks.
Could Mokwana be the attacking solution Chiefs need?
The possible signing of Mokwana would give Chiefs another attacking weapon, but his arrival alone would not automatically solve the team’s scoring problems.
Much will depend on how quickly he settles into Da Cruz’s system, the role he is expected to play and how effectively the team creates opportunities for its forwards.
Mayo’s return could be equally important, especially if he can provide the goals and attacking presence Chiefs have been missing.
For now, supporters will be watching two developments closely: whether Mokwana completes his proposed move to Naturena and when Mayo will be ready to return.
Would Elias Mokwana be the signing Kaizer Chiefs need to improve their attack, or is Khanyisa Mayo’s return even more important?
