Khanyisa Mayo welcomes familiar territory with CR Belouizdad in Orlando

By Velile Mnyandu
12th January 2025

CR Belouizdad striker Khanyisa Mayo says scoring against Orlando Pirates in their CAF Champions League group stage first leg helped him settle at his new club as he looks to repeat the job at Orlando Stadium this afternoon.

Pirates had led 2-0 in Algeria in November last year, before Mayo scored what proved a consolation goal, but led to him getting more regular game time and proving to be one of the team’s key attackers ever since.

The former Cape Town City attacker has been a thorn in Pirates’ defence in the past and will today look to continue to torment them with his new teammates.

"Definitely, playing against known players that you're familiar with, it was a good feeling – and scoring against Orlando Pirates – I've scored once here in Orlando, so when the coach put me in, I raised my hand to say I'm capable of doing the job," said Mayo.

"For me, it's about using the opportunities each time you get them, because one moment you're playing and the next you're not, but as time goes by and you find you feet, and you know what to do, and when you're called upon, you're ready.

"So, I think I've put my hand up to say to the coach that, now I'm ready for whatever task is [at hand] when I'm called upon."

Mayo has scored three goals for CRB in all competitions so far this season, contrary to what usually takes South African players longer to settle in North Africa.

He has shared what has worked for him, and hopes this form attracts a Bafana Bafana recall.

"It took me months to settle in, but I've managed to find my feet because of the coaches, technical staff, and the players helping me to adapt quicker into the league and how to play within the team's style of play," he explained.

"For me, it's been a journey that I'm enjoying – as a footballer, you have to live for moments like these to enjoy your football every time you get an opportunity.

"With the Bafana recall, yes, I've been raising my hand, knocking on the door once again, asking questions to be in the team, but we'll see what happens because it's a long journey, the season is still long and God-willing, everything will go fine, according to my plan."

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