Mayo Eyes Derby Glory, Honours Father’s Legacy
Kaizer Chiefs striker Khanyisa Mayo says playing in his first Soweto Derby is both a dream fulfilled and a responsibility to continue the legacy his father built at Naturena.
The 27-year-old forward is set to experience South African football’s biggest spectacle for the first time when Amakhosi face arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the iconic FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Mayo arrives at this historic fixture carrying a famous surname. His father, Patrick Mayo, wore the famous gold and black between 2003 and 2007 and played in the Soweto Derby during one of the club’s successful periods, helping Amakhosi lift two Coca-Cola Cup titles, SA Supa 8, two league titles, and the ABSA Cup.
The younger Mayo, who joined Chiefs at the beginning of the season on loan from CR Belouizdad, is still chasing his first piece of silverware with the Glamour Boys.
“Definitely, it is going to be my first Soweto Derby, but for me it is to continue with the legacy that my father has built,” Mayo said.
“It is a privilege for me to come and represent Kaizer Chiefs, and this is one of the biggest games you ever see in African football.
“But for me, I remember as far back as 2003 when Chiefs won against Orlando Pirates, that atmosphere is something special to play for the fans.”
For Mayo, the occasion is more than just another match. Like many South African players, he grew up watching the Derby and dreaming of one day stepping onto the field as part of it.
“We grew up as kids watching the Soweto Derby, and we wanted to play in the Soweto Derby,” he added.
“So now it is a chance to play in that Soweto Derby. This is a great achievement for us to continue the legacy that our fathers built for us as children.
“To participate in this Soweto Derby is one of the biggest things you ever achieved as a footballer.”
Chiefs head into the clash under pressure after back-to-back disappointing defeats against Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup and Stellenbosch in the Betway Premiership.
However, the magnitude of the derby presents an opportunity for redemption and for Mayo to mark his name in one of African football’s most celebrated fixtures.
