Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has provided an update on Khanyisa Mayo and Etiosa Ighodaro, explaining why the two forwards have been unavailable as Amakhosi prepare for their Carling Knockout quarter-final.
Kaizer Chiefs supporters are waiting to see more of Khanyisa Mayo and Etiosa Ighodaro, but coach Fernando Da Cruz says both players still have important work to do before they can become regular options.
The two forwards have faced different challenges, with Mayo working his way back to full fitness after an injury and Nigerian striker Ighodaro still adapting to the coach’s tactical approach.
Speaking after Chiefs’ 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby, Da Cruz explained why Mayo was not ready to feature in such a physically demanding encounter.
Mayo getting closer to a return
Mayo has been sidelined by injury since the beginning of the season, but Da Cruz believes the forward is making progress.
However, the Chiefs coach is not prepared to rush him into action before he is physically ready to handle the intensity of competitive matches.
“Mayo is not far, he’s a quality player but for this game he was not physically ready to play this type of game,” Da Cruz told journalists after the derby.
His comments suggest that Mayo is moving closer to a return, although supporters may have to wait a little longer before seeing him back in the matchday squad.
Ighodaro still learning Da Cruz’s system
Ighodaro’s situation is different. Rather than highlighting a fitness problem, Da Cruz explained that the Nigerian striker needs more time to understand the team’s playing philosophy.
The coach believes the forward could provide another attacking option once he becomes more comfortable with the tactical demands at Naturena.
“He must walk into the game, and with Ighodaro, he needs to understand the game model, so we’ll work with him,” Da Cruz explained.
The Chiefs coach also pointed to the physical intensity of matches against opponents such as Pirates, particularly during the closing stages.
“When we play teams like Pirates, we need to be physically ready. You see the last 20 minutes, they are full of intensity, they introduce fresh players with quality, so we must be ready,” he added.
Da Cruz’s comments underline the importance of having players who are not only technically capable but also prepared to cope with the physical and tactical demands of his system.
Chiefs turn attention to Carling Knockout quarter-final
Following the Soweto Derby disappointment, Amakhosi will shift their attention to the Carling Knockout, where they are scheduled to face Siwelele FC in the quarter-finals.
The encounter is listed for Friday, 6 November 2026, with the venue and kick-off time still to be confirmed in the supplied report.
Chiefs will take confidence from their previous meeting with Siwelele in September, when they secured a 3-2 victory at Dobsonville Stadium.
Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba were among the scorers in that encounter, while a free-kick from Faiz Abrahams ended up being recorded as an own goal.
The cup competition now offers Da Cruz and his players an opportunity to respond after their derby defeat.
Can Chiefs go all the way in the Carling Knockout?
The availability of Mayo and the progress of Ighodaro could become important talking points as Chiefs approach the knockout stages.
For now, Da Cruz appears determined to ensure both forwards are properly prepared before giving them greater responsibilities.
Amakhosi supporters will be hoping that Mayo can return soon and that Ighodaro settles into the team’s system, giving the coach more attacking options.
Do you believe Kaizer Chiefs have enough quality to win the Carling Knockout, or will they need Mayo and Ighodaro to make a serious challenge for the trophy?
