Mayo’s son follows in his footsteps
THE apple does not fall far from the tree in the Mayo household.
“I want to follow in my father’s footsteps,” Khanyisa Mayo, son of former Kaizer Chiefs, Michau Warriors and Mthatha Bucks player Patrick Mayo said after he was chosen for the under-17 national squad.
The 15-year-old St Thomas High School pupil was the only one of 20 aspiring Safa Eastern Cape soccer players to be selected for the squad following the recent interprovincial held in Johannesburg.
“I am very proud and excited that I am the only one representing the region in the national U17 squad. It wasn’t easy, the competition was tough but I believed in myself,” Khanyisa said.
His father Patrick, who is now coach of SAB League team Tomorrow Stars, could hardly contain his excitement when he heard the news.
“Football is in the Mayo family blood because his younger brother, Khanyisile, 14, has also been chosen for the U15 national squad.”
“We never had these opportunities while growing up. They must work hard and be disciplined and not expect the name Mayo to work in their favour,” Patrick said.
Khanyisa started his football career in 2010 playing as a striker for Crystal Palace which falls under Motherwell Football Association (Mofa).
He is also the coach of the Crystal Palace junior team.
“The person who inspires me is Bongani Zungu, the Mamelodi Sundowns player. I am inspired by his performance on the field and his discipline,” Khanyisa said.
At this stage football is just a hobby as he would like to study tourism after matric.
Father Patrick also supports his views, saying that football is a short-team career.
“Most of the time people don’t enjoy success in football. He must focus more towards his studies so that he can have something to fall back on if his football career does not succeed.”
A staunch Orlando Pirates supporter, Khanyisa says he would love to play for his favourite team one day.
“My wish for my boys is for them to play in Europe where I never had the opportunity to play.” Patrick said.