Kaizer Chiefs’ newest signing, Khanyisa Mayo, made headlines on his debut, but his first goal in Amakhosi colours was not enough to secure victory. Chiefs were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants in a Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Heritage Day.
The 27-year-old, who joined Chiefs earlier this month, wasted no time in introducing himself to the Soweto faithful. Mayo opened the scoring in the 39th minute, finishing off a well-worked move to send the crowd into celebration. His debut strike hinted at what he could bring to a side desperate to rediscover their winning touch.
Missed Penalty Proves Costly
Just before half-time, Amakhosi had a chance to take full control of the match when they were awarded a penalty. Star forward Gaston Sirino stepped up, but his spot-kick went wide, leaving the hosts unable to put daylight between themselves and the visitors.
That miss gave Gallants hope heading into the second half, and it came back to haunt Chiefs.
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Gallants Hit Back Late
Marumo Gallants, who struggled to cope with Chiefs’ intensity early on, found their rhythm after the break. With 15 minutes remaining, Jaisen Clifford struck the equaliser, catching the home defence flat-footed. Despite late pressure from Amakhosi, the visitors held on to secure a valuable away point.
This result extends Chiefs’ winless run to three matches in all competitions, including their CAF Confederation Cup first-leg defeat to Kabuscorp. The Soweto giants will now need to bounce back quickly in Saturday’s return leg at FNB Stadium.
Khanyisa Mayo’s Mixed Night
For Mayo, it was a night of personal pride but collective disappointment. Substituted on the hour mark, he would have felt pleased with his debut goal but could only watch from the bench as his team surrendered their lead.
Mayo, who previously starred for Cape Town City before a spell with Algerian champions CR Belouizdad, struggled for regular minutes abroad. His sharp finish on Wednesday, however, suggests he could become a pivotal figure in Kaizer Chiefs’ attack as the season progresses.
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Pressure Mounts on Chiefs
Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi will be concerned about his side’s inability to kill off games. Wasteful finishing and defensive lapses continue to plague Amakhosi, who are desperate to turn their form around and challenge for silverware this season.
Mayo’s signing is seen as a step towards revitalising the squad, and his performance will encourage Chiefs fans. But to compete at the top of the Betway Premiership, the team must quickly convert promising moments into consistent results.
A Debut That Promises More
Though the draw felt like two points dropped, Mayo’s debut goal offered a glimpse of what Chiefs supporters can look forward to. If he continues to deliver, Mayo could be the spark Amakhosi need to revive their season and re-establish themselves as genuine title contenders.
