After links with Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, striker Khanyisa Mayo has finally left Cape Town City.
Chiefs and Sundowns both registered interest in Mayo during the previous off-season transfer window, with the striker not for sale.
Sundowns and Chiefs were interested
Chiefs publicly stated their interest in Mayo through sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnr ahead of last season. He claims he was told by Commitis at the time that the player was not for sale. Sundowns were also very interested in the Gqeberha-born star, but also saw their efforts to sign him rebuffed. There have since been murmurs of clubs in Europe, MLS and North-Africa being interested in signing him.
Most recently, there was talks of the Middle Eastern market also opening up for Mayo. He has now chosen North Africa as his next destination. There seems to be a new appetite for teams in that region for South African players. The likes of Percy Tau and Fagrie Lakay have already been in Egypt for a while. Elias Mokwana is set to join Esperance, who also want another Chiefs target in Oswin Appollis.
Mayo has now joined Algerian giants CR Belouizdad after traveling with his agent to the North African country. The player then posted himself in their colours while shaking hands with a club official. This officially brings and end to the saga pertaining to his future, after two impressive seasons at Cape Town City. He was not as effective towards the end of the previous season and also failed to establish himself in the Bafana Bafana set up.
Mayo opts for Belouizdad
Therefore, this move away from the country could be exactly what he needs. It could also show coach Hugo Broos that he can play in the physical environment of North African football. Chiefs and Sundowns were not known to be interested in him during the current window.
Sundowns and Chiefs fans, is Mayo a missed opportunity for your respective clubs? Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below.
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