After half season spent at Liga 2 side Merani Martvili on loan, Kukhianidze joined Samgurali Tskaltubo in the 3rd division and became the league top scorer with 16 goals.
He bagged a brace in a 9–0 aggregate play-off victory over Kolkheti Poti, which resulted in promotion to the 2nd tier.
Eventually, with 11 goals, he ended up 4th among the Erovnuli Liga goalscorers and received a nomination for the best forward of the season.
[5] After two months he made a debut in European competitions, taking part in Dila's all six UEFA Conference League matches this season.
[9] In May 2021, Georgia national team head coach Willy Sagnol named him in the squad for friendlies against Romania and Netherlands.