After a tumultuous exit from the Betway Premiership, former Orlando Pirates star Kuda Mahachi is staring down the barrel, saying 2026 is his final shot at football redemption.
Mahachi, currently unattached following the expiry of his contract with Manica Diamonds in Zimbabwe’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, was hardly used during his time at the club, fondly known as Gem Boys.
Mahachi says 2026 is perhaps his last chance at redeeming himself. The 33-year-old, who also starred for SuperSport United [now Siwelele FC], is being linked with Thabo Senong’s Highlanders FC.
While nothing concrete has emerged, the left-footed winger told FARPost in an interview that his wish is for the past to be left behind.
WHY MAHACHI BELIEVES 2026 IS HIS LAST CHANCE
“My time at Manica Diamonds didn’t quite go as planned, I didn’t get the playing time I wanted and my body let me down with the weight gain. But I’m back to my best now and I’m confident I can even make it back to the Betway Premiership, even in South Africa.
“Going through tough times with my son and facing criticism, it made me stronger, it made me resilient. Now, I’m a better man because of it. That is why I’m asking the football community to turn the page, give me another chance.
“I’m not looking for sympathy, I’m looking for an opportunity to prove myself again. So I’m ready to put in the work and show what I’m capable of. I’m not done yet,” Mahachi told FARPost.
Mahachi added: “This is my last chance, 2026 is for me, and I’m going to make the most of it. I’m hungry, I’m motivated, and I’m focused on getting back to the top. I know I’ve been through a lot, but I’m ready to put the past behind me and look to the future. I’m excited to see what 2026 holds, and I’m confident that it will be a year of redemption.”
In South Africa, Mahachi parted ways with SuperSport United in May 2023 after being suspended amid a marital scandal. The former Orlando Pirates attacker was facing attempted murder charges in Zimbabwe.
He was acquitted in November 2023 on grounds that the evidence provided by the witnesses was contradictory and disjointed. However, that was not enough for him to regain his place in the Betway Premiership.
MAHACHI STILL HOPING TO PLAY FOR THE ZIM NATIONAL TEAM
He joined Ghanaian outfit Medeama SC in August 2023 on a one-year contract. The contract was not renewed upon its conclusion as he struggled for game time due to fitness concerns. In the Betway Premiership, he made a total of 153 appearances, scoring 20 goals and delivering 19 assists in the process.
Mahachi has 41 caps with four goals for the Zimbabwe national team since making his debut on September 9, 2013, against Mozambique in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
He was part of the Zimbabwe squad for the 2014 African Nations Championship. The former Mamelodi Sundowns winger, Mahachi helped the team to a fourth-place finish after being defeated by Nigeria.
He was also a member of the Warriors squad for the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. In fact, he still believes he can add value to The Warriors: “I’m still hurting from how Zimbabwe performed at the 2025 AFCON, I feel like I could’ve made a difference. But that’s behind me now, what’s important is moving forward.
“But I can only hope for a chance, because I believe my experience can be invaluable just as much as the other guys who I played with before.”
RELATED STORY: How Kudakwashe Mahachi is dealing with the frustration of lengthy lay off