Chippa United have won the high-stakes race to sign Zimbabwean defence stalwart Isheanesu Mauchi, this publication can confirm.
The Chilli Boys beat out stiff competition from Betway Premiership rivals TS Galaxy, AmaZulu and Stellenbosch FC to secure the 23-year-old’s signature.
The deal also ends the hopes of several Zimbabwean giants, including CAPS United, FC Platinum and Scottland FC, who were all reportedly vying for the player’s services.
Standing at a towering 194.5cm, Mauchi arrives in South Africa as a physically imposing prospect. Sources close to the player indicate that while the interest from other clubs was lucrative, Mauchi chose Chippa specifically for their reputation as a “selling club”.
“He opted for an environment that would enhance his chances of an overseas move,” a source revealed.
“Chippa pushed harder than anyone else and presented a clear pathway for him.”
This publication understands Mauchi has put pen to paper on a two-year deal, securing his future in the Eastern Cape until 2028.
The timing of the signing is interesting, as the Chilli Boys recently cleared a significant space in their foreign quota following high-profile departures.
Veteran centre-back Fasika Idumba was sold to Libyan giants Al Ahly Benghazi, while Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also left the club to open another foreign spot. Lastly, Abdoulaye Mariko returned to parent club Orlando Pirates.
Mauchi is a decorated winner who was a central pillar of the Simba Bhora side that clinched the Zimbabwean league title in 2024. During that campaign, he featured 20 times and he went to play in the CAF Champions League qualification the following campaign.
Mauchi, a former volleyball star with developmental roots in Spain, is a ball-playing defender who is equally comfortable operating as a defensive midfielder.
He was named a Soccer Star of the Year finalist in two successive seasons in Zimbabwe. The Harare-born star also earned a spot in the Warriors squad for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Interestingly, Mauchi made his international debut during the 2024 COSAFA Championship in Gqeberha, the very city he will now call home.
Story by Sinethemba Makonco.
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