Khanyisa Mayo unfazed by Kaizer Chiefs pressure as loan spell nears crucial decision point

The 27-year-old, who joined Chiefs on loan from Algerian club CR Belouizdad, has struggled to find consistency in front of goal, scoring just once in 12 appearances across all competitions this season.

Mayo's campaign has also been disrupted by injuries and limited game time, with the forward often used from the bench as Chiefs rotate heavily in attack. He has not featured regularly in recent weeks, with his last appearance coming around seven weeks ago.

Competition for places has been intense, with Chiefs boasting a crowded attacking unit that includes Flavio Silva, Wandile Duba, Glody Lilepo, Etiosa Ighodaro, Tashreeq Morris, Ashley du Preez and Luke Baartman. Despite that depth, the club have continued to struggle for goals, adding further scrutiny to their forward options.

However, Mayo remains philosophical about his role and the competition around him.

"There are six different strikers that I am competing with, and they've been doing well for the club. Every time I am called upon to try my best and help the team get positive results, I always give my best," he said.

"I've managed to make an impact in some games I have played, and I didn't make an impact in others ... that's football for you. So, for me, it's to be happy for that person who's playing ahead of me at that particular time and, when it's my time to shine, they also need to be happy for me."

Despite his limited minutes, Mayo has rejected the idea that his situation is adding undue pressure as his loan deal approaches its final months.

"I can't say (being on loan) is putting me under pressure. The pressure is always there; I was born into a family of pressure," he said.

"When you represent an institution like Kaizer Chiefs, expectations are a constant, so I don't think it's something I can't handle. As the season progresses and I get my opportunity, I intend to seize it and prove that I belong here permanently."

Mayo has managed just one goal and no assists in his time on the pitch this season, but still believes he can influence the club's decision regarding a permanent deal. His current loan agreement reportedly includes an obligation to buy, depending on performance-related conditions, though his limited involvement has cast doubt over whether Chiefs will trigger the clause.

His parent club CR Belouizdad are believed to have already moved on in their squad planning, with indications they may not reintegrate the forward should he return to Algeria.

Mayo's representatives have also suggested that his future will ultimately depend on how the final months of the season unfold, with all options still open.

"It's a loan deal now, so that's (return to Belouizdad) yet to be determined. Let's see what happens. There are still a good four [now three] months left before the end of the season," said his agent.

"We just need to see what happens, where the wind blows, and we go from there. I think, based on the difficulties that we faced, I don't necessarily think it will be healthy for him to go back."

With his Chiefs future hanging in the balance and competition for attacking places showing no signs of easing, Mayo now faces a decisive run-in to prove he belongs at Naturena on a long-term basis.