I’ll also get to represent Bafana
Richards Bay FC’s striker, Khanyisa Mayo, the eldest son of ex-Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana star, Patrick Mayo, talks to Soccer Laduma’s Peter Raath about his football dreams. He also gives an account of his goals, including those scored at the U17 World Cup and why he left SuperSport United.
Peter Raath: After your January transfer between Royal Eagles and Richards Bay FC, you made an immediate impact by scoring three goals in two games, including a brace against JDR Stars. Didn’t you also net a hat-trick in your training session?
Khanyisa Mayo: That’s correct, Peter. Everyone was impressed. They said, “Look, we’ve signed someone who can get us goals.” When people motivate you, it really helps. Although my technique is good, I do extra training every day to improve. The coaches are now working around my ability as a goal poacher in the box. My late winner against JDR was a free kick from quite far outside the box that I knew I had to score. I told myself, “This is in the net.” With the other, I curled the ball into the top corner from close range. I’m an up-and-coming youngster following in my father Patrick Mayo’s footsteps. He played as a striker for Bafana Bafana, which is also my dream.
Surely, I’ll also get to represent Bafana. I remember watching the 2013 U17 World Cup and saying to him, “I can see myself playing in that tournament.” Two years later, that’s where I was. Once I say something to my parents, it happens. I’ve played for both the SA U17 and U20 national teams. Not being in the U23s’ squad for next year’s Summer Olympics is a wake-up call, which means that I need to push further and score more goals.
PR: On the subject, please talk to us about all your other successful strikes over the past few seasons.
KM: In 2014/15, during my first MultiChoice Diski Challenge campaign, I hit five goals for Matsatsantsa, and in that competition, I think the total was around 10. My most memorable goal came at the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile when we lost 2-1 to Costa Rica. I say this because of the atmosphere created by so many fans inside the stadium. Even though it was a junior World Cup, my goal will always be in FIFA’s records. Every day, I enjoy watching that header, which came from a cross. I didn’t manage to score for the U20s, but my overall goal tally at Amajimbos was 23. In 2017/18, while on loan at Ubuntu Cape Town during my NFD debut, I scored twice playing either as a number 10, striker or winger. Competing in my first professional league was very difficult. The expectations are much higher than in the MDC, where there’s no relegation. You fight for your life to survive as so many other teams don’t want to go down. But I played 14 games, including two in the Nedbank Cup, when we reached the quarter-finals. Being the so-called “giant-killers” with former teammates Clint Fredericks, Ranga Chivaviro and Franklin Cale was exciting. So far this season, I have eight goals, including five at Eagles. That brings my grand total to just over 50 goals, also counting the two hattricks I scored as a SuperSport United junior.
PR: That’s quite impressive for a 21-year-old, but why did you leave Matsatsantsa?
KM: Coach, Stuart Baxter had promoted Sipho Mbule and me to train with the first team – however, things changed after he left. Actually, I’d gone back to the club for pre-season when a call came from Eagles’ late head coach, Roger Sikhakhane, who was interested in my services. So, I thought maybe it’s a new journey in my career because I was competing with experienced guys such as Jeremy Brockie, Kingston Nkhatha and Bradley Grobler. Being still a teenager, I told myself, “It’s not a train smash.” My manager at the time, Tim Sukazi, then sent the proposal to SuperSport. That’s how I got sold. I enjoyed myself last season. Reaching the Absa Premiership promotion/relegation play-offs for the first time was an achievement.
PR: Finally, considering that the German Bundesliga is continuing under closed doors and our minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, has given the go-ahead for teams to resume training, in your opinion, would a similar move be equally safe in the Glad Africa Championship?
KM: Yes, I think it would also be a great idea. Doctors could check up on us players before each and every game. In football, you have to adjust and be ready for whatever situation might crop up. There are many things that can happen. You can wake up having no job tomorrow. At the end of the day, everyone in the soccer fraternity is missing football. Training in your own backyard is not the same as kicking the ball in a XI vs XI match, where you score and enjoy playing against people. So, I’m thrilled that the club has been back in training since last week. It’s been long overdue.
PR: Thanks, Khanyisa.
KM: It’s a pleasure, Peter. ❐