Kaizer Chiefs lure Bafana star Mayo back to South Africa

In a significant move signalling their ambitions for the new season, Kaizer Chiefs have secured the one-year loan signing of Bafana Bafana striker Khanyisa Mayo.

The deal brings the 27-year-old forward back to South Africa after a challenging season with Algerian club CR Belouizdad.

The transfer comes after a breakdown in his relationship with CR Belouizdad’s head coach, Sead Ramovic, who informed Mayo he was not part of the club’s plans for the 2025/26 campaign. Mayo, who still has two years remaining on his contract with the Algerian side, had been training away from the first team and was not registered for the new season.

Following in a Father’s Footsteps

Mayo’s arrival at Naturena holds special significance, as he joins a distinguished group of players whose fathers also wore the iconic black and gold jersey. His father, Patrick Mayo, is a revered figure among the Chiefs faithful.

This exclusive list includes club chairman Dr. Kaizer Motaung and Kaizer Motaung Jr., Eliakim and Doctor Khumalo, Joseph and Siphiwe Mkhonza, Fabian and Aden McCarthy, as well as the father-son duo of Ace Nkomo and Morgan Gould.

On the international front, Mayo boasts a solid pedigree, having represented South Africa at the U-17 and U-20 youth levels. The former PSL Golden Boot winner has also earned seven caps for the senior national team, Bafana Bafana.

Kaizer Chiefs Welcome Mayo with Social Media Reveal

The club officially unveiled Mayo on Friday with a video across their social media platforms. The video was captioned, “Amakhosi Family, our new signing has a message for you. We just couldn’t wait to let you know that Khanyisa Mayo is Khosified!!!”

In the message, Mayo expressed his excitement to join the club. “I’m very excited to tell you that I’ll be coming home to be part of the biggest football family in the world,” he said. “I’m Khosified, and I can’t wait to be part of the beautiful Khosi nation. My blood is gold and black.”