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Raymond Jaravaza
KUDAKWASHE Mahachi is living his childhood dream playing for one of the biggest teams in Africa and is an integral part of an Orlando Pirates squad that aims to conquer the continent, says his coach Micho Sredojevi.
Pirates drew nil all with FC Platinum in a Caf Champions League group stages fixture at Barbourfields Stadium last Saturday, in a match that drew a record crowd that has not been seen at the stadium in recent years.
Despite a hike in gate charges that saw the cheapest ticket going for $5 for the rest of the ground, Barbourfields Stadium was filled to capacity.
Slightly over 23 000 fans paid to watch the game while 2 000 people were turned away to avoid a stampede.
“Mahachi is fulfilling a childhood dream and plays an important role at Pirates, now and into the future, and I wish all his dreams come true.
“I know it’s been his dream to kick the ball right in this same stadium (Barbourfields) so it always gives him extra motivation to play here for a big team like Orlando Pirates, to wear the badge with pride and do well for the team,” said Sredojevi.
Before the game Sredojevi had spoken of the influential role the Mzilikazi-bred attacking midfielder would play against the Zimbabwe champions – FC Platinum.
“He knows the stadium more than all his teammates and that should work to our advantage,” he said.
True to the coach’s words, Mahachi, a Zimbabwe international star who seems to have hit top form following the setback of losing his mother, displayed some deft touches on the left and occasionally dribbled past FC Platinum’s defenders, much to the amusement of the fans.
He grew up in Mzilikazi’s N-Square – less than half a kilometre from Barbourfields Stadium – and attended Mzilikazi High School.
Online Reporter