Kaizer Chiefs have completed the permanent signing of Bafana Bafana forward Khanyisa Mayo from Algerian side CR Belouizdad, in a move the club says underlines its ambition to compete for honours in South Africa and across the continent.
The 27-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Naturena, has now committed his long-term future to Amakhosi after the Soweto giants activated a deal to keep him beyond his initial season-long stay.
He is the club’s fourth acquisition of the current transfer window, following the arrivals of Thabo Moloisane, Renaldo Leaner and Adolf Mtasingwa, as new head coach Fernando Da Cruz reshapes his squad ahead of the Betway Premiership campaign and upcoming CAF club competition assignments.
Chiefs confirm ‘fan favourite’ stays
In a formal announcement, Kaizer Chiefs said: “Kaizer Chiefs have completed the permanent signing of Khanyisa Mayo from Algerian giants CR Belouizdad, following his loan spell with the Glamour Boys last season.“
The club added: “Known for his pace, creativity, and eye for goal, Mayo has already established himself as a fan favourite at Naturena. His permanent move strengthens Amakhosi’s attacking options and signals the Club’s intent to challenge for glory both locally and across Africa.“
Da Cruz is expected to lean heavily on Mayo’s versatility, with the left-footed attacker able to operate both as a winger and through the middle as a striker.
Mixed loan spell but flashes of quality
Mayo joined Chiefs on loan in September 2025, describing the move as the fulfilment of a childhood ambition to emulate his father, Patrick Mayo, who made his name as a striker at the same club.
He scored on his debut and showed glimpses of the form that had made him one of the most highly rated forwards in the Premier Soccer League. However, injuries and irregular game time curtailed his overall contribution during the campaign.
He featured in 15 matches in all competitions, scoring two goals in just over 600 minutes of action – enough, in the club’s view, to justify investing in his long-term stay.
From Umtata to Naturena via PSL stardom
Born on 27 August 1998 in Umtata in the Eastern Cape, Mayo later moved to Gqeberha and progressed through the SuperSport United academy system.
He started his senior career at Royal Eagles in the Motsepe Foundation Championship before earning moves to Richards Bay and then Cape Town City, where he became one of the most feared attackers in the league.
At City, Mayo finished as joint-top scorer in the 2022/23 PSL season with 12 league goals, and followed that up with another 10-goal league campaign. In total, he netted 28 goals in 88 PSL appearances for the Cape Town club.
His performances earned him a three-year contract with CR Belouizdad in August 2024, giving him a first taste of North African football before Chiefs brought him back to South Africa on loan a year later.
International pedigree and second chance at Chiefs
Mayo has represented South Africa at under-17, under-20 and senior level, and remains in contention for Bafana Bafana squads given his goal record and attacking threat.
His permanent move to Kaizer Chiefs offers him another opportunity to reach the heights long predicted for him, this time at one of the country’s most demanding and high-profile clubs.
With Mayo now tied down and several new faces added, attention at Naturena will turn to whether Amakhosi can convert their transfer ambition into silverware after a prolonged trophy drought.
