Ex-Mamelodi Sundowns and Black Leopards star Cuthbert Malajila has found a new home in Zimbabwe after a lengthy spell off the radar.
Malajila, 40, is best remembered for his trophy-laden spell at Sundowns, but he also delivered standout performances for Maritzburg United, Bidvest Wits, and Leopards. Between 2012 and 2020, the former forward racked up over 172 appearances in South African football, netting 40 goals and providing 17 assists.
His tenure with the Brazilians was particularly glittering; he helped the club secure five PSL titles and the Telkom Knockout [Carling Knockout Cup], capped off by a historic CAF Champions League winner’s medal.
FARPost can reveal that the former Sundowns marksman has been appointed as the new team manager of Kwekwe United. Competing in the Central Region Soccer League, this appointment marks Malajila’s debut in a managerial role within his native Zimbabwe.
Kwekwe United are currently on a redemption mission, aiming for an immediate return to the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League following a disastrous 2025 campaign that saw them relegated to the second tier.
MALAJILA APPOINTED KWEKWE UNITED TEAM MANAGER
The Zimbabwean outfit is reportedly ecstatic after securing a significant financial windfall from Betterbrands, a prominent mining firm owned by Scott Sakupwanya. The business mogul is also the driving force behind Scottland FC, the ambitious project currently home to former Kaizer Chiefs attackers Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona. Furthermore, the squad boasts the experience of former University of Pretoria stalwart and seasoned defender Partson Jaure.
Since hanging up his boots, Malajila has dedicated his efforts to nurturing the next generation of talent in his homeland. He serves as the co-founder and director of CUMA Academy, a youth development project that has become a cornerstone of Zimbabwean grassroots football.
Prior to his highly successful decade in South Africa, the Kadoma-born forward built a formidable reputation domestically with Chapungu United, Highlanders, and Dynamos FC. It was with the latter that he tasted major success, lifting the 2011 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League title. In 2010, Malajila made history as the pioneer Zimbabwean to sign for Tunisian powerhouse Club Africain. His North African journey also included a significant, albeit short-lived, period with Al-Ahly Tripoli in Libya.
Malajila’s transition into the Kwekwe United technical team follows hot on the heels of another high-profile appointment in the region. Betway Premiership legend Willard Katsande recently made headlines after being named the head coach of Rangers FC.
The trend of former Mamelodi Sundowns stars moving into management continues to gain momentum in Zimbabwe. Malajila joins the legendary Peter Ndlovu, who currently occupies a similar administrative role at Scottland FC, a side presently competing in the top-flight Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
RELATED STORY: Cuthbert Malajila picks Peter Ndlovu as Sundowns unsung hero