Cape Town City are preparing for life without influential attacker Khanyisa Mayo who looks likely to complete a lucrative move abroad.
This was confirmed by Citizens head coach Eric Tinkler during the MTN8 launch in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Tinkler said Mayo, one of the most sought-after players over the past three seasons, will not be available for their first game of the new campaign against Sekhukhune United in the MTN8 on Saturday, August 10.
Mayo has not been part of Tinkler’s squad preparing for the new season recently.
“Yes (we will be without him at the weekend), but the club will make announcements shortly,” Tinkler said.
Mayo, 25, has been reported to be on the radar of Gauteng big-spenders Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
However, the striker’s services are said to have been admired by an unnamed club outside of South Africa’s borders.
The Capetonians have since made exciting singings ahead of the 2024/25 season, acquiring a balance of experienced campaigners and talented young players.
Tinkler’s recruits include Fortune Makaringe, Hashim Domingo, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Prins Tjiueza, Kayden Francis, Sibusiso Ziba, Elson Sithole, Lefa Aphane, Carlnhos and Kanjally Drammeh.
City parted company with Brice Ambina, Bongani Mpandle, Khanya Leshabela, Relebogile Mokhouane and Jó Paciência.
“I think what is important is that we didn’t do that big clear-out and new players coming in at the last minute,” Tinkler said.
“It was already (planned) in the first half of (last) season. We were already talking about having more depth, and a little bit of experience in our squad.
“It’s all good and well, we are promoting a lot of our young players coming through the DDC (DStv Diski Challenge).
“But for those players to truly grow and prosper and be able to really go out and express themselves, they need a couple of experienced players, established players around them,” he said.
“We started that process in the first half of (last) season. Just before Christmas, we had already started looking at building the squad for this season.”
Tinkler said a proper analysis of who to sign was done and is thrilled with the way his recruits have settled in.
City aims for the Betway Premiership top honours next season and to compete for domestic titles.
“We targeted these specific players, why? Because we felt that in terms of our game model, philosophy and club culture, these guys all fit in,” Tinkler said.
“We’ve done our homework and we have done it well, I believe. From what I’ve seen so far, the players have adapted quickly. The level of training has gone up tenfold.
“The intensity in our play has gone up ten-fold and that’s exactly the response we wanted.”
City have played about five friendlies in preparation for the new season, but Tinkler wishes they could have played more.
Incase you missed it — football returns in 🔟 days! 🤩
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) August 1, 2024
🆚 Sekhukhune United
📆 10 August
🏆 #MTN8 QF
🏟️ New Peter Mokaba Stadium
⌚️ 15h00
📺 Televised pic.twitter.com/EAEP8On887
