Mahachi warns Pirates not to take FC Platinum for granted

Coming on as a second-half substitute in the last two games, Orlando Pirates winger Kudakwashe Mahachi has certainly made himself as one of the key players in the Bucs squad after scoring two important goals in both occasions.

It all began with the opening Absa Premiership fixture against Highlands Park with Pirates trailing 2-1 before Mahachi came on in the second stanza and levelled matters to make it 2-2 for the Buccaneers to earn a point at Makhulong Stadium.

The winger was once against introduced in the later stages of the game in their thrilling midweek league clash against Chippa United, coming on in the later stages of the game and securing maximum points with a cool finish to give Pirates a 4-2 victory on the night at the Orlando Stadium.

Today, Bucs shift their focus to the Caf Champions League with a clash against Mahachi’s former side Platinum FC in their opening group stages game of the tournament at Barboursfield Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Mahachi will certainly be one of the key players in coach Micho Sredojevic’s side with his knowledge about the team. The winger says he has spoken with the technical staff regarding what to expect from their opponents and warned that they are not to be taken for granted, but they will have the support from the local fans.

“Platinum are a good team, they have won the league twice in a row. They are a good playing team and like to keep the ball on the ground. I told my coaches that we should not undermine them because they can play, so we need to take this game seriously. Playing at Barboursfield, the Highlanders fans (team from Zimbabwe) will come and support Orlando Pirates because I played there and I know their supporters,” said Mahachi.

“When I was growing up, everyone in Bulawayo loved watching Orlando Pirates because they played good football. We watched the likes of Teko Modise and Joseph kamwendo. Highlanders adopted their style and they also salute their fans the same way Pirates salute their fans, that is why I say they will come in numbers and support us.”

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