Johannesburg - Kudakwashe Mahachi’s life has been one long trial interrupted by brief, comfortable moments that haven’t lasted long before the Zimbabwean midfielder has had to prove himself all over again.
He has done well at times, 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.
“Being on trial at Monaco was one of the greatest moments of my career. I was told I had done enough to impress the coach and they approached Sundowns with an offer,” Mahachi said.
“But Sundowns refused and said I was still in their plans. I had to accept that because I was still contracted. I looked at that whole experience in a positive light.
“If I could impress Monaco while still finding my feet, imagine who I could impress when I’m doing well constantly.”
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 such as Andile Fikizolo and Wayde Jooste, who did well when given a chance.
Mahachi is back. He’s in a familiar position, having to prove himself again. He will be looking to cement his place in the starting XI with a good performance against Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium tonight.
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.
“I’ll go to the national team camp along with (Arrows’ teammate) Danny Phiri after this game,” Mahachi said.
“The aim is to be in the 23 that will travel to Gabon. Playing in the Cup of Nations would mean a great deal for me. 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 first to 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 Amakhosi this time. Chiefs currently 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 explained.
“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,” he concluded.