Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly been dealt an early injury setback ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, with Khanyisa Mayo expected to miss the opening month of the campaign after undergoing a hernia operation.
The blow comes only weeks after the Soweto giants activated their purchase option to sign the 27-year-old permanently from CR Belouizdad in a deal reportedly worth around R9.8 million (€600,000). Mayo also did not travel with Fernando Da Cruz’s squad for the club’s pre-season tour in Spain.
KHANYISA MAYO TO MISS KAIZER CHIEFS START
According to SABC Sport journalist Mazola Molefe, the striker’s recovery will keep him out of the opening weeks of the season.
“SABC Sport has established that Kaizer Chiefs striker Khanyisa Mayo is expected to miss the opening month of the 2026/27 season after undergoing a hernia operation,” wrote Molefe.
The respected journalist also revealed why the forward was absent from the club’s pre-season preparations.
“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,” Molefe added.
Amakhosi have already played two pre-season friendlies in Spain without Mayo, drawing 1-1 against Rangers FC and Al Kholood Club as Da Cruz continues building his squad for the new campaign.
AMAKHOSI SHOW FAITH
Mayo joined Amakhosi on a season-long loan from CR Belouizdad in September 2025, following in the footsteps of his father, Patrick Mayo, who became a fan favourite during his spell at Naturena. Although the striker scored on his debut, injuries and disfavour from the previous technical team restricted him to just 15 appearances and two goals in all competitions.
Despite that difficult first season, Kaizer Chiefs showed faith in the former Cape Town City striker by making his move permanent ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign.
The club will now hope Khanyisa Mayo completes his rehabilitation quickly and returns after the opening month of the season to make an impact under Fernando Da Cruz.
