The attacking trio could provide Kaizer Chiefs with the experience and firepower Da Cruz has been calling for after their goalless draw against Golden Arrows in their final match before the FIFA international break.
Da Cruz was particularly concerned about the maturity of his young attacking players after the 0-0 draw in Mbombela.
“We have a lack of maturity in our front-line, its young players but players with a lot qualities but they have a lack of maturity, but we on the good way,” the Franch told the media.
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“We need to continue on this way and we going to win game and score goals, one hundred percent because people in front of the TV today even though they watched 0-0, but have watched a good game today,” said Da Cruz added.
KAIZER CHIEFS GET ATTACKING BOOST
The return of Mayo, Da Silva and Ighodaro gives Kaizer Chiefs three experienced options who can add a different dimension to the attack.
Collectively, the trio have accumulated more than 400 senior appearances and 144 career goals, giving Da Cruz considerably more experience to work with in the final third.
At 28 years old, Mayo brings 141 career appearances and 60 goals to the Kaizer Chiefs attack. The South African international can operate as a centre-forward or winger and also gained valuable experience during his spell with CR Belouizdad in Algeria.
Mayo previously made 10 appearances and scored two goals during his earlier stretch with Amakhosi, while his attacking numbers have also highlighted his ability to consistently find dangerous positions.
Da Silva, meanwhile, is the oldest of the trio at 30. The Guinea-Bissau international has played across Portugal and Indonesia, recording 182 career appearances and 61 goals.
He scored eight goals during the previous campaign before finding the net again in his opening appearance of the current cycle. His physical presence and experience could be particularly valuable to a Kaizer Chiefs attack that has featured several younger players.
IGHODARO ADDS POWER AND EXPERIENCE
At 25, Ighodaro offers another type of attacking option for Da Cruz. The Nigerian forward has scored 25 goals in 97 top-flight appearances, including a five-goal loan spell at AmaZulu FC.
His physical strength and aerial ability could provide Kaizer Chiefs with an important outlet when opponents defend deep or when Amakhosi need to play more directly.
Ighodaro has also recorded a 90% aerial-duel success rate and 77.1% passing accuracy, underlining the value he can bring outside simply scoring goals.
With Mayo, Da Silva and Ighodaro now back to full fitness, Da Cruz has the experienced attacking options he was missing before the international break.
For a Kaizer Chiefs side that has scored 12 goals in seven Betway Premiership matches, their return could prove significant as Amakhosi look to turn promising performances into more goals and victories.
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM THESE THREE PLAYERS?
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