Broos may gamble on Khanyisa

Broos may

gamble on

Khanyisa

By Mark Gleeson

Bafana Bafana’s quest for success in their Africa Cup of Nations opener in Morocco on Thursday depends on a sharp striker with Percy Tau the obvious go-to man.

But Tau’s fitness is in question and coach Hugo Broos might instead turn to debutant Khanyisa Mayo, who has been called up to the squad for the first time.

The 23-year-old scored only four times for Cape Town City this last season, but is one of the few forwards in the league with the ability to shoot with either foot as well as being able to take an effective set piece.

Mayo has been on the radar for a long time and was earmarked for a bright future while still a teenager at the SuperSport United academy. It has taken Mayo a while to make the breakthrough at City after being signed from Richards Bay in the GladAfrica Championship.

City have brought him on slowly and coach Eric Tinkler says he saw a change in the young man’s attitude in the second half of last season as the realisation of what he needs to do to be successful in the top flight became apparent. He then knuckled down to work and the possible reward is a chance to win a first Bafana Bafana cap this week.