From volleyball to football: Meet Chippa United new signing Mauchi

Highly rated Zimbabwean defender Isheanesu Mauchi has signed for Chippa United in South Africa from Simba Bhora FC bringing with him an interesting career story of versatility beyond football.

In a statement, the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit confirmed the player’s permanent transfer from the former champions of Zimbabwe.

We welcome “Isheanesu Mauchi“ to the Chilli Family. 🌶️🔥
Defensive steel from Zimbabwe added to the squad. 🇿🇼⚽#PrideOfTheEasternCape#AyeyeChilliBoysAyeye pic.twitter.com/LahDtuOIgs

— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) February 27, 2026

“Ishe Mauchi has completed a permanent move to South African side Chippa United. We thank him for his service and contribution to the club and wish him well in his new chapter,” reads part of the statement.

The Chillies have also welcomed their new catch by tweeting: “We welcome Isheanesu Mauchi to the Chilli Family. Defensive steel from Zimbabwe added to the squad.”

Reports in Zimbabwe suggest that other PSL clubs in South Africa such as AmaZulu FC, TS Galaxy and Stellenbosch FC were also chasing the signature of Mauchi.

Towering and versatile: What else do we know about Mauchi?

Apart from his impressive performances, Mauchi is also known for his height as he stands at 1.95m which is rare for most players in Southern Africa.

The 23-year-old was part of Simba Bhora’s side that defied all odds to lift the Castle Lager PSL title in 2024 season under the reign of Tonderai Ndiraya who went to repeat the same feat with Scottland FC last season.

Despite being relatively young, the Zimbabwean has already represented the Warriors in international games, including for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

He is also credited for his versatility, able to play in multiple defensive positions even in midfield.

Chippa United new signing Mauchi can play volleyball

Mauchi also played volleyball at the highest level in Zimbabwe owing to his athletic ability and height, before transitioning to professional football.

The player’s Peter told The Herald newspaper of Zimbabwe on 19 June 2024 that he invested in his son’s sports career at a young age when he also played volleyball. The father said he used to take Mauchi to Barcelona Academy in Spain to improve his skills.

“I’m very proud of Mauchi and I also feel that he made full use of everything we invested in his career for him to be playing top-flight football.

“Watching him playing for Simba Bhora, a team from Mashonaland Central, where we come from brings me joy.

“And, him being considered for the national team, means a lot to this family because he used to be selected for the volleyball team before making a switch to football,” Peter said.

Chippa United will certainly benefit from Mauchi’s vast talent.