Bafana Bafana striker Khanyisa Mayo, who recently scored a move to Algerian side CR Belouizdad, has opened up about his decision to snub local interest for a surprise move to north Africa.
Mayo, 25, has been one of the most sought after players in the Premier Soccer League for the past two seasons, with names like Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns linked with him.
However, he has elected to follow in the footsteps of Percy Tau, Phakamani Mahlambi, Fagrie Lakay and most recently Elias Mokwana (who has joined Esperance) by electing to spread his wings further in north Africa.
The SuperSport United academy graduate has racked up 35 goal involvements in 93 appearances for Cape Town City, and attracted the attention of numerous clubs – but the reported R20 million placed on the table by Belouizdad has done the trick.
Speaking for the first time on his new club’s TV show, Mayo has opened up about his decision to move to Algeria.
He touched on the influence of the club’s president Mehdi Rabehi in ensuring the deal gets over the line, including a trip to meet him in person.
“The negotiations with the president went well. The president himself was a lovely guy. He came to SA to convince me to come to the club,” Mayo told CR Belouizdad TV.
“I looked at the club, it’s history, and everything else. I saw it’s one of the big clubs in Algeria, and that’s why I’m here today to join the team.
“The president was good. We spoke about negotiations, and everything went well.
“And I think for me, it’s to go further and enjoy the family that I’m joining right now because the president is wonderful, and we have a good relationship with him.
“He welcomed me very well into the team, so I’m grateful to be here. Other clubs had an interest in me, but I chose this team because I love the team.
“It’s a great team with great people and the lovely city of Algiers. The people in the city are very welcoming.”
Mayo, who has been capped four times by Bafana and can also play in multiple attacking positions, has raised the expectation levels, promising to contribute a plethora of goals at his new club.
“They must expect Khanyisa Mayo the goal-scoring machine – someone who’s going to work, someone who’s going to be loved, someone who’s going to love the family,” he said.
“Everyone will be excited to watch every game. I can’t wait to meet the fans. I think it’s going to be a great season for CRB and me.”
Supporters at his new club will get a first glimpse of Mayo’s expertise when his side take to the field on August 18 in the preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League against Congolese side AC Leopards.