Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana star Patrick Mayo has reacted to reports that his son Khanyisa Mayo is working on a deal to move to North Africa.
The obscured North African leagues seem to be becoming the new Europe for South African footballers and coaches as struggles to earn moves abroad continue.
Sekhukhune United and Bafana Bafana player Elias Mokwana is the latest to choose North Africa as a destination of choice, as local talent fails to attract European clubs, for this reason and the other.
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Mokwana joins Tunisian club Esperance for a fee believed to be a mere R10 million.
According to Mayo, such moves are motivated by money and CAF Champions League glory.
"The boy is still around. What I know is he is staying put. I haven't heard of anything. He has not mentioned anything to me. I had a chat with him today [Wednesday]," Mayo explains, speaking exclusively to KickOff.
"North Africa is an in-thing at the moment. They are taking all our talent. Even the coaches are being snatched by the North African teams.
"I think they are paying well in North Africa, and their clubs are always playing in the CAF Champions League, so some of them want to reinforce their teams going forward to the Champions League.
"Because I am not the one who is calling the shots, I have no choice but to support whatever my son decides, whatever decision he takes.
"I can't choose a team for Khanyisa. Whatever decision he takes as a parent, I have to support him," adds the ex-player.
Asked whether the Mthatha-born player will fit in, at whichever club he joins in that part of the continent, Mayo Snr says the only way to find out is for him to go and test the waters.
"The North Africans game is too physical. I wouldn't say he will fit or not fit, but he needs to be mentally strong. That's if he ends up playing in North Africa. Their game is very physical.
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"I think it's the right time for him to move. I mean, for a player to grow, he shouldn't stay in one place. He will need to face new challenges."