New CR Belouizdad striker Khanyisa Mayo explained his decision to seal a move to North Africa was because club president Mehdi Rabehi personally convinced him to join the club.
The 25-year-old is said to have snubbed Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns in favour of a move to the Algerian giants, where he penned a three-year deal.
Mayo revealed that he was sold on the idea to join the 10-time Algerian Ligue 1 champions after a visit by the Belouizdad president and is now looking to repay the faith shown in him.
“The negotiations with the President went good. It went well,” Mayo told CR Belouizdad TV.
“The president himself was a lovely guy. He came to SA to convince me to come to the club.
“I looked at the club, its history, and everything else. I saw it’s one of the big clubs in Algeria, and that’s why I’m here today to join the team.
“The president was good. We spoke about negotiations, and everything went well. And I think for me, it’s to go further and enjoy the family that I’m joining right now because the president is wonderful, and we have a good relationship with him.
“He welcomed me very well into the team, so I’m grateful to be here. Other clubs had an interest in me, but I chose this team because I love the team. It’s a great team with great people and the lovely city of Algeria. The people in the city are very welcoming.
“I love CRB because I love red and white,” he added.
Mayo described himself as a “goal machine” and promised to rattle the net more often for his new side. He has in fact already registered a goal for his new employers, scoring from the spot in a 4-2 win over Bahraini side Al-Ahli Manama in a pre-season friendly.
“They must expect Khanyisa Mayo, goalscoring machine,” he added.
“Someone who’s gonna work, someone who’s gonna be loved, someone who’s gonna love the family and everyone is gonna be excited to watch each and every game.
“To the fans, I can’t wait to meet you guys and support in the field.
“I think it’s gonna be a great season for CRB and me.”
Mayo becomes the latest South African player to seal a switch abroad. Percy Tau and Fagrie Lakay play in Egypt for Al Ahly and Pyramids respectively, while Elias Mokwana recently moved to Tunisia with Esperance Sportive de Tunis. Bongani Zungu could also potentially be heading to Morocco with Wydad Athletic Club to link up with his former mentor Rulani Mokwena.
