The Sunday Mail
Ishemunyoro Chingwere
KUDAKWASHE MAHACHI is going about business with so much confidence and swagger it’s easy to forget that the lad is just 22 and almost quit the game after being treated like a rag by South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.
The much sought after Golden Arrows winger also exudes maturity as he speaks about this afternoon’s Africa Cup of Nations clash against Malawi and the National Sports Stadium.
“Look we can see the Promised Land but we are not there yet,” said Mahachi, a star performer when the Warriors dismissed Uganda in midweek friendly.
“There is so much hype about this game but as players we need to stay grounded and appreciate that we haven’t beaten Malawi yet.
“Yes we are confident and playing at home gives us a massive advantage but the game has to be played and won so let’s go out there, do the job and see where we end up.”
Mahachi had the world at his feet after a jaw dropping outing at the 2014 Chan finals in South Africa but his fortunes nosedived when he joined Mamelodi Sundowns.
Amasandawana never gave him a chance and he nearly walked away from the game only to rise again at Golden Arrows.
Mahachi revealed that Warriors mentor Kallisto Pasuwa’s advice kept him going during the most difficult phase of his short but eventful career.
“It was a difficult period but I thank God that I am here now,” he said.
“I am happy with the way I played this season and I want to also thank coach Pasuwa for all the support he gave me during those difficult times.
“For me the best way to say thank you is to play a major role in ensuring that we go to the Afcon.
“But we need to be careful and not blow away this golden chance. If you look at it there is a lot of excitement and worse still with the 2-0 win over Uganda, but all that is water under the bridge.
“We need to work hard as was before if we are to get a result.”
For Mahachi the clash against Malawi marks the first time that he takes to the pitch following the tragic death of his daughter and the winger wants to do it for his late angel too.
“I want to win this one for her,” he said.
“I have been training with my former club Bantu Rovers and I am more than ready for Malawi.
“The coach also gave me a run against Uganda and I think my performance in that match showed that I have no fitness worries.”
Meanwhile, Mahachi also spoke about Kaizer Chiefs’ reported interest in his services.
“I don’t know anything about those reports. I am only reading about it on the internet but nobody has talked to me as yet.
“But I think I will hear from my agent very soon on what is on the table for me because for now my concentration is on the Malawi match,” he said.
