Former Warriors star winger Kudakwashe Mahachi is undoubtedly one of the best attacking midfielders of his generation.
His pace, speed, eye for goal and ability to deliver quality crosses, were some of his key strengths during his prime.
Now 32, turning 33 at the end of the year, the former Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates Golden Arrows and SuperSport United winger still has something to offer the game, perhaps a year or two, but only if he can rediscover his form.
Having spent over a year inactive due to off the field issues before returning to action in Ghana and later back home with Manica Diamonds, Mahachi, now at Highlanders, may need a few months to regain match fitness and sharpness.
Playing him regularly at this stage could be a rushed decision.
He appears to need more time to work on his conditioning and rediscover the touch that many football followers associate him with.
A fitting comparison can be drawn with his former teammate and childhood friend Joel Ngodzo.
When Ngodzo joined CAPS United in 2015 after leaving Highlanders, reportedly due to fitness and disciplinary concerns, then Makapekepe coach Mark Harrison did not rush him into action.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Instead, he focused on rebuilding his fitness in the first half of the season before he was registered in the second half under Lloyd Chitembwe.
That period of conditioning paid off, as Ngodzo returned revitalised, reminding many of his brilliance from his early days at Highlanders and as a student at Mzilikazi High School.
From there, Josta regained his form.
He was called to the national team, got selected for the squad that competed in the Chan tournament.
He was outstanding in 2016, playing a huge role as Makepekepe won the championship.
In 2019, he was crowned Soccer Star of the Year after they narrowly missed out on the title, losing 1-0 to FC Platinum on the final day of the season.
A similar approach could benefit Mahachi, keeping him on the sidelines for a few months while closely monitoring his training, allowing him to regain shape without pressure of competitive football.
Although age is no longer on his side compared to Josta, who was 26 then, at 32 Mahachi could still rediscover his form in the second half of the season and offer Bosso the quality he possesses.
For now, the Mahachi that fans know is still some distance from a full resurgence.
