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Cape Town - Kudakwashe Mahachi has admitted that the mentality at Orlando Pirates is of a different class to that of his former club, Golden Arrows.
Mahachi is one of nine new players at Pirates following an off-season spending spree. He was acquired from Abafana Bes'thende, with whom he spent three years, including one on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers have given the 24-year-old attacking midfielder another shot at proving himself at a big club, but by his own admission, adapting to the Pirates way of life is no small task.
"It is a huge transition coming from a small team to a big team and it takes a bit of time to understand because there is a huge difference in approach," the Zimbabwean told the club's official website.
"We train differently, we prepare differently, and the overall level of professionalism is amazing. Not only do we analyse the opponent, which is the norm, but we also have to analyse ourselves from a group perspective and at an individual level."
Mahachi admitted that he is, by nature, a shy character. However, he credited his new team-mates for helping him settle despite this.
"It helps having my Zimbabwean homeboy Marshall Munetsi, and people like Thembinkosi Lorch who I enjoy speaking to. The process has also been made simple by the fact that I know most of the players here," he revealed.
Mahachi also credited Mpho Makola and Happy Jele for passing on their valuable experience to him.
"Mpho Makola was concerned that I may be scared to play my natural game, so he encouraged me to express myself and enjoy playing my football because from what he has seen, that's where I'm at my best," he added.
"Happy Jele has also spoken to me about the supporters. They are very demanding, but also very knowledgeable and understanding if you're doing the right things and giving your best."
