Cape Town City FC striker Khanyisa Mayo has completed a high-profile move to Algerian giants CR Belouizdad for a transfer fee of R16 million. The South African club will receive almost 60% of the fee upfront, with the rest to follow. Mayo, a prolific scorer for Cape Town City, has signed a three-year deal with the Algerian side.
The Citizens had previously quoted a figure in the region of R30 million, but the Algerian giants have snapped him up for half the price.
The 25-year-old forward, who won the 2022/23 Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot award, had been a target for several clubs, including Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, as well as teams from Major League Soccer and Belgium.
Mayo’s move to CR Belouizdad marks a growing trend of South African players venturing into North African leagues, with the likes of Percy Tau, Fagrie Lakay and Elias Mokwana already playing in Egypt and Tunisia.
Mayo has been a standout performer for Cape Town City since joining from Richards Bay in 2021. He finished as the PSL’s top scorer alongside Sundowns’ Peter Shalulile in the 2022/23 season and continued his impressive form in the 2023/24 season, scoring 11 goals across all competitions.
WHAT CAPE TOWN CITY SAID ABOUT KHANYISA MAYO’S MOVE TO ALGERIA
His departure is a significant loss for Cape Town City, but the club will be hoping to reinvest the transfer fee to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
“Cape Town City FC bids farewell to Khanyisa Mayo, who has joined CR Belouizdad on a permanent transfer.
“A popular figure among teammates and staff alike, Khanyisa leaves with the warmest regards from everyone at the club,” the Citizens confirmed via their social media platforms.
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For Mayo, the move to CR Belouizdad presents an opportunity to compete for silverware, showcase his talent in the CAF Champions League, and further his international career with Bafana Bafana.
The transfer is a testament to Mayo’s talent and potential, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the challenges of playing in a new league and environment. His success in Algeria could pave the way for more South African players to follow in his footsteps and seek opportunities in North Africa.