Ex-Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates striker Phumlani Mkhize has made his feelings known on Amakhosi’s recent dealings.
Mkhize lays into Kaizer Chiefs loanee Mayo
Former Kaizer Chiefs star Phumlani Mkhize, a man who quite literally shot himself in the foot, is disappointed at how Khanyisa Mayo has fared with the club. The 27-year-old’ ex Cape Town City star’s loan spell from Belouizdad isn’t likely to be made permanent. He has made only 12 appearances, scoring once, and that was on debut against Marumo Galants in September.
“I’m disappointed by the boy’s performance for Chiefs. I was expecting big things from him since the team has been missing a natural goalscorer. I believed he was the answer,” says Phumlani Mkhize, in conversation with KickOff.
“Okay, let’s forget about him scoring and look at his assists and performance on the pitch. Everything is down. I don’t know if he is not adjusting to the coach’s style of play or what.
“At the moment, Flavio Silva is the one doing better amongst the team’s strikers.
“Mayo’s performance is not promising, to be honest. He is unable to play, he is unable to score. Instead, he is struggling to start matches. I suspect he will not be kept by the club at the end of the season.
“We acknowledge the injury he suffered earlier, but at least by now he should have shown in one or two of his 12 games something to give the fans hope,” he went on.
“We are talking here about a player who was performing well at his parent club. A product of South African football. He understands the football culture here very well, he doesn’t need to adapt.
“So, I’m very disappointed with how he has struggled to prove himself in front of the Chiefs supporters. If you can’t score, then make an assist at least. Contribute something to the team.”
Chiefs remain in the title race
Meanwhile, before a somewhat surprising Nedbank Cup Round of 32 exit to Stellenbosch, the Glamour Boys hadn’t conceded since November 29th against Zamalek. They now sit eight points adrift of league leaders Orlando Pirates, but with two games in hand after Pirates’ defeat to Sundowns opened the door ever so slightly. There might be a genuine fight for the title this season, something we haven’t been able to say for quite some time. Chiefs have conceded only six goals in 15 league outings, the best record in the division. Pirates have conceded seven. It’s an eye-catching February schedule for Amakhosi, which could make or break their title aspirations. Below is what’s to come, including that mouthwatering Soweto Derby clash:
- Tue 24 Feb: Chiefs vs Stellenbosch (19:30)
- Sat 28 Feb: Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates (FNB Stadium, 15:30)
