Mahachi takes aim at Chiefs
KUDAKWASHE Mahachi’s life has been one long trial interrupted by brief comfortable moments that don’t last long before the Zimbabwean midfielder has to prove himself all over again.
He has done well in moments, impressing French club Monaco, who invited him for trials, and Mamelodi Sundowns, who signed him from Zimbabwean giants Highlanders. But on both occasions he didn’t do enough to sustain that interest to something fruitful.
“Being on trial at Monaco was one of the greatest moments of my career. I was told that I had done enough to impress the coach and they approached Sundowns with an offer.
“But Sundowns refused and said I was still in their plans. I had to accept that because I was still contracted to Sundowns. I looked at that whole experience in a positive light.
“If I can impress Monaco while still finding my feet, imagine who I can impress when I am constantly doing well,” Mahachi said.
The 23-year-old has impressed at Golden Arrows since leaving the Brazilians for Abafana Bes’thende. An arm injury that forced him out of action for six weeks relegated him down the order, behind wingers like Andile Fikizolo and Wayde Jooste, who did well when given a chance.
He is now in a familiar position, having to once again prove himself.
He will look to cement his place in the starting XI with a good performance tonight against Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium. After that, Mahachi will fight to be in Zimbabwe’s 23-man squad that will fly the country’s flag in the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon next year for the first time in over a decade.
“I will go to the national team camp along with (Arrows teammate) Danny Phiri after this game,” Mahachi said. “The aim there is to be in the 23 that will travel to Gabon. Playing in the Cup of Nations would mean a great deal for me, especially as a 23-year-old.
“It is the highest level and who knows who will be watching there. It could be an opportunity to fulfil my dream of playing in Europe.
“But I have a lot of catching up to do because I was out for a long time. I have to first do well for my club and then in the camp with the national team.”
Arrows will take on a Chiefs team that is looking to end what has been a disappointing year with a win in a city where they have always enjoyed good support.
Amakhosi fought until the final minute on Sunday against Polokwane City to register a 3-2 win in a see-saw battle. On the same day, Abafana Bes’thende were involved in a 1-1 brawl with City’s neighbours Baroka FC.
Arrows’ Clifton Miheso was sent off along with Baroka’s Percyvell Nkabinde.
The Durban side will be involved in another brawl, with Chiefs this time. Amakhosi are in a phase where they don’t care how they get the three points, just as long as they get them.
“These are games that you look forward to playing in,” Mahachi said. “There is no pressure from our side. It’s all on them.
“They have to win and please the large number of fans who will come to support them. But we won’t be pushovers.
“Playing with more freedom and less pressure is a good thing for us, because that will allow us to play to the best of our abilities.
“Who knows, we might win over some of the people who’ll come to watch Chiefs and they’ll say, hey, there’s Arrows from here. Let me go to their games regularly because they play good football.”