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Khanyisa Mayo of Kaizer ChiefsBackpagepix
Sinolwetu Tompela

Kaizer Chiefs' Khanyisa Mayo not bothered by Etiosa Ighodaro's return to fitness as 'competition is everywhere'

The centre-forward reckons there’s a good-natured rivalry among the goal poachers within the Glamour Boys, rather than a cause for concern, with the Nigerian striker declared fit and ready to put his hand up for selection in the upcoming matches.

  • Khanyisa Mayo and Gaston Sirino, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Lack of goals

    Amakhosi have come under heavy scrutiny for their lack of goals and failure to convert clear chances. Despite strengthening their striking department, the desired results have yet to follow.  

    They suffered a minor setback over the past weekend, settling for a goalless draw in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round against AS Simba. Meanwhile, they were eliminated from the Carling Black Label Cup after failing to capitalise on clear goal-scoring opportunities.  

    However, with more options available, this could mark a turning point, as Khanyiso Mayo insists there is strong competition within the squad and that the ultimate focus remains on delivering results.  

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  • Etiosa Ighodaro, Wandile Duba, Ethan Chislett and Gaston Sirino, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Healthy competition

    Speaking at the media open day on Monday at Naturena ahead of their fixture against Siwelele FC, Mayo respectfully explained that the return of his teammate Etiosa Ighodaro does not faze him and that he is motivated by the competition.  

    “Competition is everywhere,” Mayo said as per the Sowetan.  

    “The competition we have in the team is a healthy one...we encourage each other each and every day to do better than yesterday.  

    “Each and every day at training we [strikers] stay behind to do extra training as strikers, shooting. We are working on complementing each other because we have to score for the team.”  

  • Samkelo Zwane, Siwelele FC, September 2025Backpagepix

    Siwelele gears up to prove a point

    The 27-year-old further highlighted that a tough challenge awaits when they face the Bloemfontein side, which he believes will be eager to make their mark and test the team’s mental readiness on Wednesday night.  

    “I think it’s going to be a tough game against Siwelele. Every team that plays against us wants to prove a point that they are better than the players that are playing at Kaizer Chiefs.

    “They [Siwelele] had a rest, and we played in DRC on Saturday, but it’s not about the rest...it’s about us being mentally prepared.” 

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  • Kaizer Chiefs, CAF Confederation CupKaizer Chiefs on X

    What comes next?

    The Glamour Boys will aim to bounce back at FNB Stadium and win over restless supporters after recent changes in the technical team. 

    The clash will also set the tone for their next encounter with the Congolese side, with Mayo looking to make amends, and Ighodaro set for his debut.

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