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Langton Nyakwenda
STANDING at 194.5cm, Isheanesu Mauchi is slightly taller than Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and is the tallest player in Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League.
Haaland, who is rated among the tallest footballers on the planet, stands at 194cm.
But, the prolific Norwegian striker pales in comparison with Mauchi, who also stood tall at the back for Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s new champions, Simba Bhora.
The 21-year-old centre back was instrumental for “Go Buju Go” who made history on Wednesday by becoming the first team from Mashonaland Central to lift the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
Simba Bhora are also the fourth team from outside Harare and Bulawayo to win the top flight league championship.
They join St Paul’s Musami, FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Mauchi featured 20 times for the champions, playing in a solid back three alongside Blessing Moyo and Webster Tafa.
“Winning the championship feels so surreal it’s like a dream,” says Mauchi, who made his Premiership debut with Simba Bhora last season.
“Never would I have even dreamt of us of winning it but God will always do more than you expect or even think of.
“And thanks too to the coaches and an amazing group of players we did,” added Mauchi.
Many thought Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya had made a huge gamble when he signed Mauchi last season.
Here was a mere unheralded 20-year-old former volleyball player.
A young boy whose biggest football experience was a stint with youth teams in Spain.
However, Mauchi rose to become a dependable defender who is defying odds.
He has been one of the most consistent defenders in the local Premiership.
So good at the heart of defence has Mauchi been, that one cannot believe he is also a former national team volleyball player.
“I used to play both football and volleyball in high school.
“It wasn’t until after school that I decided to follow my dreams and what gave me more joy and that was football.
“And with support from my family the dream became a reality,” reveals Mauchi.
He made his PSL debut as a late substitute against Sheasham at Mandava on September 17 last year.
He then featured against Highlanders, again as a substitute, before making his full debut against Black Rhinos on the last day of the season.
Mauchi worked hard in the build up to the 2024 season but it was not easy to get into the starting lineup.
Once he found his footing, Mauchi settled well and has since been a pillar for Simba Bhora.
“Credit goes to Ndiraya for putting his trust and faith in me,” says Mauchi.
“Not just this season, but since 2022 when I came back home from Spain after a spell of injuries.
“He saw something in me and worked with me since the days when I was training with Dynamos.
“So it did not just happen in one season but it took years and he’s been a part of that journey.”
Mauchi’s exploits caught the eyes of national team selectors as he was included in the national team squad for the 2024 COSAFA Championship.
“The boy has vastly improved,” said Ndiraya.
“We worked on him, trying to perfect some of the aspects of the game and I am glad to see some notable progress.
“Because of his height, Mauchi gives us the balance we need at the back,” added Ndiraya.
Online Reporter