Kaizer Chiefs coach issues Mayo update and challenges Ngcobo

Da Cruz was speaking ahead of Sunday’s Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinal against Siwelele FC, where he provided an update on two players who have been absent from the first team picture.

Mayo underwent surgery in July and is working on his fitness while Ngcobo has fallen out of favour and faces a battle to force his way back into contention.

"Khanyisa Mayo is not ready physically for the moment, he's working hard to come back. Speaking about Mshini, he has a lot of competition in his position, with Shabalala [Mduduzi], Vilakazi [Mfundo], who are able to play in his position as well. He must keep his motivation, he must keep working," da Cruz said.

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There will be a bigger pool for Da Cruz to select from following the arrival of winger Elias Mokwana on a free transfer this week.

Chiefs fans will have to wait until the FIFA break to see him in action, however. 

"Yes, Mokwana is a very good player, an experienced player as well. He was in Bafana Bafana before, so he has a lot of quality as well,” the coach added.

“We know that his beginning of the season was a bit inactive but we have the FIFA break, so during the FIFA break we will have the time to work with him and I think after the FIFA break will be the time to integrate him step by step in the squad."