Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
SOUTH African Premier Soccer League side Chippa United have beaten their rivals to secure the signature of Warriors defender Isheanesu Mauchi.
According to reports from South African yesterday, the ex-Simba Bhora man inked a long-term deal with Chippa, ending speculation on his future.
Although he had continued to train with Simba Bhora as part of his pre-season preparations, the 23-year-old’s contract with the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions had expired on December 31 last year.
Mauchi also travelled with Simba Bhora for a pre-season training camp in Gaborone, Botswana recently.
However, chances of his return to the Shamva outfit ahead of the 2026 term ended when the 1.94m tall centre-back agreed personal terms with the Chilli Boys.
He has also passed his medical and is currently training with Chippa while awaiting his work permit.
The South African visa, according to the Department of Home Affairs’ website, typically takes between four to six weeks.
It means the talented Warriors defender will be ready to make his debut in March or early April.
Mauchi had an impressive stint with Simba Bhora, where he played a pivotal role in their 2024 Zimbabwean league title triumph, making 20 appearances during the championship-winning season.
He had attracted interest from several Betway Premiership sides, including TS Galaxy, AmaZulu and Stellenbosch.
But his decision to commit to Chippa who are under the guidance of Vusi Vilakazi, ends speculation linking him with a return to Zimbabwe, where CAPS United, FC Platinum and Scottland were reportedly waiting on the wings and monitoring his situation.
He arrives in South Africa with ambitions of securing a move back to Europe.
Having previously gained experience in Spain, Mauchi opted to return home to Zimbabwe to launch his senior professional career, a move that has since paid dividends.
Chippa’s reputation as “a selling club’’ is understood to have been a key factor in his decision, offering a platform to attract international attention.
The club recently created a room within their foreign quota following several notable departures.
Congolese defender Fasika Idumba completed a move to Libyan side Al Ahly Benghazi, while Nigerian international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also exited.
Malian defensive midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko has also since returned to his parent club, Orlando Pirates.
A back-to-back Soccer Star of the Year finalist in Zimbabwe, Mauchi’s steady rise was further underscored by his inclusion in the Warriors squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
His move to Chippa carries added significance, with Gqeberha being the city where he earned his first senior international cap during the 2024 COSAFA Cup.
For Chippa United, Mauchi represents both immediate defensive reinforcement and a long-term investment, a player whose trajectory suggests his stay in the Eastern Cape could be a stepping stone to bigger stages.
Chippa, who play their home fixtures in East London and Port Elizabeth, are currently 13th on the Betway Premiership log table.
They endured a difficult start to the season under Temba Badela and Luc Eymael, but have since turned things around under Vilakazi, going on an unbeaten run in their last five matches.
Tomorrow they take on Golden Arrows in Durban but Mauchi would have to watch
