Chiefs’ Mayo hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps in Soweto derby

Khanyisa Mayo scored on debut for Chiefs but has not hit the back of the net since. Picture: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images Khanyisa Mayo is hoping to continue a family legacy by playing for Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates on Saturday. Amakhosi will take on the Buccaneers in front of 90 000 people at FNB Stadium in an important game in the race for the Betway Premiership title.

Mayo’s father, Patrick Mayo, played in the derby for Chiefs and Khanyisa’s own chance to shine came as he joined Chiefs on loan from Algerian giants CR Belouizdad this season. “It is a first Soweto derby for me, but it is a privilege for me to continue the legacy my father has built,” said Mayo. “It is an honour to represent Chiefs in one of the biggest games in African football.” Growing up as a Chiefs fan and watching his father wear the gold and black, Khanyisa’s memories of the derby stretch back some 23 years.

“I remember as far back as 2003 when we won against Pirates at FNB Stadium. That atmosphere, you want to play to make the fans happy, and to close the gap on Sundowns and Pirates.” Khanyisa Mayo is not the only player in the side with a dad who played for Chiefs. Amakhosi’s talented young defender Aden McCarthy is the son of former Chiefs defender Fabian McCarthy.

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“We grew up as kids watching the derby and one day wanting to play in it,” added Mayo. “Now we might get a chance to play, it would be a great experience and achievement for us to continue the legacy our fathers built for us. The Soweto derby is one of the greatest things as a player to achieve.”

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