Ex-Pirates star gets lifeline at Highlanders, vows to deliver trophies

Kudakwashe Mahachi. Picture by Orlando Pirates

Highlanders FC has offered former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates winger Kuda Mahachi a second chance to revive his career.

The 32-year-old has been training with the Bulawayo side and will play for the team in the 2026 season, having been offered a one-year contract.

Mahachi is expected to play a key role at Highlanders FC when Zimbabwe’s Castle Lager Premier League season kicks off on 6 March.

The left-footed winger was on parade for Highlanders FC when they beat arch-rivals Dynamos FC in the Jairos Jiri Charity Cup played at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.

I HAVE A BIG JOB TO DO SAYS KUDA MAHACHI

kudakwashe Mahachi in action. Picture by SuperSport United [now Siwelele FC]

He was introduced in the second half and showed some glimpses of brilliance, and has promised to deliver trophies to the Benjani Mwaruwari-coached side.

“I’m happy, this is my first trophy against Dynamos, so I’m over the moon. So we’re going to celebrate, but the season is yet to start, so we need to push as a team. I think we’ve got a good team, so we’re looking forward to the season,” he said.

“So, I’m promising the fans to make them happy every day, happy every week. So, we’re hoping to win every game that we’re going to play. I’ve got a big job to do because I’ve got great young stars.

“I need to talk to them, I need to tell them what to do and what not to do. I need to help the coach, even the coach is a leader also. So, I think it’s going to be busy for us to talk to the other players.

“I’m emotional because I haven’t been playing regularly for two years. So, coming to Highlanders is a good thing for me. Winning against Dynamos in the first game is a good thing for me. So, I’m looking forward to the season.”

In the 2025 season, Mahachi was at Manica Diamonds, but his contract was not renewed upon expiry on 31 December 2025. He was restricted to less than 15 appearances out of 34 league matches, with no goal under his belt. However, he is expected to turn a corner at Highlanders FC, who are celebrating 100 years of existence this year.

Mahachi rose to prominence between 2012 and 2014 in Zimbabwe, during which he played for Chicken Inn FC and Highlanders. He was signed by Sundowns in July 2014 before starring at Golden Arrows, Orlando Pirates, and SuperSport United [now Siwelele FC]. Mahachi also had a brief stint at Ghanaian outfit Medeama SC, but lack of fitness affected him having spent a lengthy period unattached.