Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has received the attacking boost he was hoping for, with Khanyisa Mayo, Flávio da Silva and Etiosa Ighodaro all back to full fitness.
The trio’s return could not have come at a better time for Amakhosi after they were held to a goalless draw by Golden Arrows in their final match before the FIFA international break.
Da Cruz admitted afterwards that his young forwards still need to develop greater maturity in front of goal, despite showing plenty of potential.
“We have a lack of maturity in our front-line. It’s young players but players with a lot of qualities. They have a lack of maturity, but we are on the good way.”
The French coach remained positive about his team’s progress but knows that turning good performances into goals will be crucial.
Mayo, Da Silva and Ighodaro give Chiefs more firepower
The return of Mayo, Da Silva and Ighodaro gives Da Cruz three experienced attacking options and significantly increases the competition for places in the final third.
Collectively, the trio boast more than 400 senior appearances and 144 career goals — experience that could prove valuable for a Chiefs squad containing several younger attackers.
At 28, Mayo brings 141 senior appearances and 60 goals to the Amakhosi attack.
The South African international can play as a centre-forward or on the wing and has also gained international experience from his time with CR Belouizdad in Algeria.
Mayo previously made 10 appearances and scored twice during his earlier spell with Chiefs, while his ability to attack space and operate in different positions gives Da Cruz another tactical option.
Da Silva offers experience and physicality
Flávio da Silva is the most experienced member of the returning trio.
The 30-year-old Guinea-Bissau international has played in both Portugal and Indonesia, accumulating 182 senior appearances and 61 goals.
He scored eight times last season before opening his account again early in the current campaign.
For Chiefs, his physical presence and experience could be particularly important when facing compact defences or matches that require greater strength in the penalty area.
Ighodaro brings a different attacking threat
Ighodaro provides yet another dimension.
The 25-year-old Nigerian forward has scored 25 goals in 97 top-flight appearances, including five goals during his loan spell with AmaZulu.
His physical strength and aerial ability make him a useful option when Chiefs need to vary their approach, particularly against teams sitting deep.
Ighodaro’s numbers also highlight his effectiveness in the air, with a reported 90% aerial-duel success rate and 77.1% passing accuracy.
That means his contribution could extend beyond simply finding the net.
Can the returning trio solve Chiefs’ scoring problem?
Chiefs have scored 12 goals in seven Betway Premiership matches, but Da Cruz will want his side to become more clinical if they are to challenge consistently at the top end of the table.
The return of Mayo, Da Silva and Ighodaro gives the coach more experience, physicality and tactical flexibility in attack.
It also means the younger forwards now have experienced players around them who can share the scoring burden.
For Da Cruz, the message is clear: the tools are now available. The next challenge is turning that increased attacking depth into goals and victories.
Will the return of Mayo, Da Silva and Ighodaro transform Kaizer Chiefs’ attack?
