{
  "id": 17767011,
  "title": "Da Cruz reveals why Mayo and Ighodaro are struggling for game time at Chiefs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/da-cruz-reveals-why-mayo-and-ighodaro-are-struggling-for-game-time-at",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T08:06:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/soccer/2026-11-02-da-cruz-reveals-why-mayo-and-ighodaro-are-struggling-for-game-time-at-chiefs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has shed light on the reasons behind Khanyisa Mayo and Etiosa Ighodaro's struggles for regular game time since joining Naturena. Both forwards were brought in to bolster the attacking options of the team, but neither has managed to secure a consistent spot in the Betway Premiership this season. Mayo, a South African international who joined Chiefs after a successful stint at Cape Town City, is still striving to reach the necessary physical condition to compete at the highest level. The coach believes Mayo is a quality player, but insists he's not ready to face the demands of competitive football right now. He emphasizes that Mayo needs to be at full fitness before he can step onto the field. On the other hand, Ighodaro faces a different hurdle as he tries to adapt to the team's tactical demands. Signed to provide additional attacking options, Chiefs coach da Cruz believes the Nigerian forward must first become comfortable with the team's playing philosophy before he can be considered for a more prominent role. The coach is patient, however, and is willing to give both players the time they need to settle and understand what is expected of them. While supporters eagerly await to see the new attacking options make an immediate impact, the wait may continue for now. With a long season still ahead, da Cruz hopes both players can make the necessary progress and eventually provide the attacking depth the club requires.",
  "summary": "Fernando da Cruz says Khanyisa Mayo needs to improve his physical condition, while Etiosa Ighodaro must understand Chiefs’ playing model before both forwards can earn regular opportunities.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Citizen",
        "title": "Ouaddou hails Kaizer Chiefs as Da Cruz slams referees",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/ouaddou-hails-kaizer-chiefs-as-da-cruz-slams-referees",
        "published": "2026-11-02T06:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}