Kaizer Chiefs could be without two key players when they begin their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign due to injury setbacks.
Amakhosi are set to face Kruger United in their league opener in two weeks’ time, but both Khanyisa Mayo and Paseka Mako are expected to miss the fixture.
According to SABC Sport, Mayo is likely to be sidelined for at least the opening month of the season after undergoing hernia surgery.
“The forward is understood to have had surgery shortly after the end of the previous campaign and did not travel with the Amakhosi squad to Spain for their pre-season tour under new coach Fernando Da Cruz,” the publication reported.
Mako injured in Kaizer Chiefs pre-season tour
Meanwhile, Mako suffered a fractured forearm during Chiefs’ pre-season tour of Spain, forcing him to return to South Africa for specialist medical treatment. The club has not provided a timeline for his return, making him a major doubt for the season opener.
In a statement, Kaizer Chiefs said: “Mako has returned to South Africa for medical care and will consult a specialist orthopaedic surgeon for further assessment. He is expected to rejoin his teammates in the coming weeks once his recovery is underway.”
The injuries leave Amakhosi short in two important positions. Mayo’s absence reduces Fernando Da Cruz’s options in attack, while Mako’s injury limits cover at left-back.
With the new season fast approaching, Amakhosi may be forced to strengthen both departments in the transfer market to ensure they have adequate depth for the campaign ahead.
