Chippa United have officially won the high-stakes race to sign highly-rated Zimbabwean defender Isheanesu Mauchi, beating out several PSL rivals to secure the talented centre-back’s signature.
Mauchi, popularly known as the “Minister of Defence” for his tactical intelligence, astute defending, and dominant aerial presence, has officially signed a two-year deal with the Chilli Boys.
The Zimbabwe Warriors centre-back joins the Betway Premiership side from Simba Bhora, where he spent the last three seasons establishing himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the region.
CHIPPA WELCOME ISHEANESU MAUCHI
In a statement posted on X [formerly Twitter], Chippa welcomed Mauchi to Gqeberha. The club stated: “We welcome Isheanesu Mauchi to the Chilli Family. Defensive steel from Zimbabwe added to the squad.”
The 23-year-old was a priority target for Scottland FC, who were eager to strengthen their ranks after clinching the 2025 Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title. However, the allure of the South African top-flight proved decisive in his career path.
He previously told FARPost that peace of mind outweighs a paycheck. This move to Chippa was guided by a deep internal sense of assurance rather than money or fame.
THE PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY BEHIND MAUCHI’S CHIPPA MOVE
“I look for the peace that transcends all human understanding,” Mauchi explained. “If I feel doubts or anxiety, I don’t move. I choose the path where I feel peace, no matter the outcome.”
Meanwhile, Mauchi, a commanding central defender, had already cemented his reputation as a premier talent in the Zimbabwean league. During the 2025 campaign, he was the heartbeat of a defensive unit that kept an incredible 18 clean sheets, ultimately guiding his side to a respectable third-place finish.
Having also secured a league title in 2024, Mauchi played a pivotal role in helping the Joel Luphahla-coached Simba Bhora maintain their competitive edge in the recently concluded season. Despite his success at home, his ambitions have long been fixed on the highly-rated Betway Premiership. While he was initially linked with a move to TS Galaxy, a deal failed to materialise at the time.
TS Galaxy, AmaZulu FC, and Durban City FC were among the several South African clubs vying for his signature before the current season commenced. Furthermore, his back-to-back appearances on Zimbabwe’s prestigious Soccer Star of the Year calendar in 2024 and 2025 made him a primary target for scouts across the continent.
Throughout the transfer speculation, Mauchi remained as grounded as ever. He is currently a vital member of the Zimbabwe Warriors and was a key inclusion in the national squad that featured at the 2025 AFCON.
Mauchi now joins the growing list of Zimbabwean talent in the Betway Premiership, following the recent arrivals of Emmanuel Jalai, Mason Mushore, and Juan Mutudza.
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