JOHANNESBURG – Orlando Pirates’ Kudakwashe Mahachi says that he is pleased with how the pre-season unfolded and as a team they can’t wait for the start of the new campaign.
Mahachi is one of the new kids on the block at Pirates after signing at the end of last season from Mamelodi Sundowns who had loaned him to Golden Arrows for the past two seasons.
The Zimbabwean has already featured for his new club as he was part of the squad that made the trip to Zambia for their pre-season friendlies where they faced Forest Rangers and Gomes and DR Congo premier division giants TP Mazembe.
“We’ve got a good team. We’ve also had a good pre-season, so we are (ready) and just waiting for our first game (which will be at home on August 4, against Highlands Park),’’ said Mahachi who was speaking at the club’s Nelson Mandela centenary celebration together with partners LG at Orlando Stadium, yesterday.
☠ Mandela Centenary well spent at Orlando Stadium with @LGSouthAfrica and 100 children from our surrounding schools and orphanages😀🎪🎨Each institute also received a 43inch LED TV so the kids get to watch their favourite team play 😎
⚫⚪🔴⭐ #LGBuccaneers #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/QFJF203KRe
— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) July 24, 2018
Mahachi didn’t quite find his feet at Chloorkop-based side Sundowns after signing for the Brazilians from home-club Chicken Inn. As such, he spent the last two seasons at Lamontville-based side Arrows under the guidance of coach Clinton Larsen. The 24-year-old left winger proved to have been a force to be reckoned with at Abafana Bes’thende, helping the team to a top-eight finish in the log standings.
Mahachi didn’t end there, but also inspired the Zimbabwean COSAFA team to a triumphant 2018 tournament that was held in Limpopo in June. However, he now turns his focus in steering the Sea Robbers ship to championship material as they will be competing in four major campaigns next season- including the Caf Champions League after finishing Absa Premiership’s runners-up last season.
“Each and every time that I wake up or come to work, I endure a feeling of enjoyment,’’ he said. “Orlando Pirates is a big club, so everyone wants to play for a big team.I wanted to play for Orlando Pirates from a young age, so I am happy to be here.’’
Mahachi knows that he will have to put in a good shift in breaking into coach Milutin “Micho’’ Sredojevic's starting 11 considering the wealth of talent in the wing department. He competes for a spot against players such as Thabo Qalinge, Luvuyo Memela and Thembinkosi Lorch who were instrumental in Pirates’ revamping last season.
“As a player, you need to work hard in order for you to earn your place, so I really need to work hard,’’ Mahachi explained. “All supporters are passionate about their team. I need to work hard as a player so that our fans can be happy.’’