Reason Revealed Why Khanyisa Mayo Joined Kaizer Chiefs on Loan From CR Belouizdad

Khanyisa Mayo’s move to Kaizer Chiefs was confirmed last week, but the details behind why the transfer was structured as a loan with an option to buy have now been revealed. The 26-year-old striker, who joined CR Belouizdad from Cape Town City at the start of the 2024/25 season, found himself sidelined after just one campaign in Algeria.

Mayo signed a three-year deal with Belouizdad, but head coach Sead Ramovic made it clear he was not part of the club’s plans this season. As a result, he was not registered in the squad, which opened the door for a move away. Chiefs, who had long been admirers of the player, stepped in to secure his services.

Basia Michaels of QT Sports, Mayo’s agent, explained why a permanent transfer was not possible at this stage. Speaking to Soccer Laduma, Michaels said, “It was the best way out because CRB wanted to recover the money they paid to City because they still owe Cape Town City money. Doing the deal this way was the easiest way to get the deal done, because a sale or purchase of the player would have been harder. The transfer fee would have been harder. It’s football, and sometimes it does not work out the way we would like, so we kind of just have to go from there.”

According to Michaels, Chiefs had shown interest in Mayo early on, even before he had returned to Algeria at the end of last season. “It goes without saying that he is excited about the new challenge. It’s a fresh start for him. I do believe the terms and requirements for him are reachable. Chiefs made an offer for Khanyisa very early. Khanyisa hadn’t even gone back to Algeria and Chiefs had contacted me for him.”

The agent also revealed an interesting twist during negotiations. Belouizdad attempted to include a clause preventing Mayo from playing against them in case both clubs meet in the CAF Confederation Cup. However, that condition was rejected. “They tried to include that clause where you can’t play against them because they are both in the Confederation Cup, but we refused it,” Michaels confirmed.

Mayo has already joined his new teammates at Naturena and is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening Chiefs’ attack this season. With the loan deal structured to potentially become permanent, his performances in the coming months will likely determine whether Amakhosi make the move long-term.