Chiefs star sets sights on Bafana Bafana return

Kaizer Chiefs forward Khanyisa Mayo is laser-focused on earning his way back into Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad.

The talented left-footed attacker recently completed a season-long loan move to the Soweto giants, returning to the Betway Premiership after a stint in North Africa with Algerian side CR Belouizdad.

Mayo’s return follows a season with Belouizdad, whom he joined from Cape Town City FC after eye-catching performances in the Mother City. The move to Naturena came after Belouizdad coach Sead Ramovic publicly stated that the striker was not part of his future plans, leading to a fallout and the subsequent deal with Amakhosi—a club that had shown prior interest in his services.

The 27-year-old former Richards Bay FC star’s arrival at Chiefs was met with a mixed reception from the club’s faithful, following significant pre-signing hype. More recently, Mayo found himself at the centre of controversy after an error against a recent opponent. In a moment that drew sharp criticism, he was deemed to have been in an offside position when he “toe-poked” a ball over the line that teammate Pule Mmodi looked to have already scored, nullifying the goal.

Mayo Speaks on Bafana Bafana Ambitions

However, the Mthatha-born forward insists the club has moved past the incident and he is determined to work hard to secure a spot back in the national team setup, having last received a call-up for Bafana Bafana’s friendlies against Andorra and Algeria in March 2024.

“I would definitely want to get back to the national team,” Mayo stated. “If the team [Chiefs] is doing good, then we stand a chance to be in the national team. If the team is doing good and we’re performing, then we stand a chance to be in the national team because no player doesn’t wants to be in the national team.”

Mayo will be key as he looks to help Chiefs secure maximum points in their upcoming league clash against Siwelele FC on Wednesday night at FNB Stadium. So far this season, the highly-rated attacker has made four appearances across all competitions for the Glamour Boys, netting one goal.