Former Orlando Pirates winger Kudakwashe Mahachi marked his return to competitive football in style, helping Highlanders FC secure victory over Harare giants Dynamos FC after two years away from the game.
Bosso edged past the Glamour Boys, Dynamos FC, with a narrow 1-0 win in the pre-season Jairos Jiri Charity Cup at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
An emotional Mahachi admitted the moment meant everything.
“I’m emotional, because I have not been playing for two years. So, coming to perform, winning against Dynamo’s first game, I’m looking forward to the season,” he said.
The winger, who previously turned out for Bosso in the 2013/14 campaign, described the triumph as a special milestone in his career and urged caution ahead of the new campaign.
“I have the opportunity to come and showcase my talent. I’m happy, this is my first trophy against Dynamo, so I’m over the moon.”
“We are going to celebrate, but the season is yet to start, so we need to push as a team,” he added.
The encounter, played just two weeks before the start of the 2026 campaign, served as the first pre-season outing for both sides as they fine-tuned preparations for the new season.
Mahachi believes Highlanders have assembled a balanced squad capable of challenging this season, blending youth and experience.
“I think we have got a good team, young and old, so we’re looking forward to the future.”
“As senior players, we’ve got a big job to do, because we’ve got great young stars. We need to talk to them, to tell them what to do, what not to do and help the coach.”
After leaving Highlanders for Mamelodi Sundowns, Mahachi also featured for SuperSport United and Golden Arrows in South Africa’s top flight, amassing over 180 appearances, with 23 goals and 20 assists.
Now back in Bulawayo, he not only strengthens Highlanders on the pitch but represents a significant commercial asset as the club hunts for its first league title since 2006.
