Cape Town - Orlando Pirates midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi says the reason for his slow start to life at the club was partly due to the tragic passing of his mother in 2018.
Much was expected of the highly rated attacking midfielder after his arrival from Golden Arrows, however, he has not managed to hit the ground running.
The Zimbabwe star has featured just six times in his first six months managing no assists or goals during that period of time.
With that said, Mahachi has scored two goals in two appearances in 2019 and could be close to returning to his best for the Sea Robbers.
The 25-year-old told Kickoff: "2018 was a terrible year for me as I lost my mother, and I didn't start well at Orlando Pirates.
"In 2019, I've started to pick myself up and every game I now play, I play for my mother as a cup final. So, I'm happy with my performance now and I'd like to thank the coaches for giving me the opportunity."
In addition, the player said he was hopeful Bucs could do well in
Saturday's Group B CAF Champions League tie against FC Platinum at the
Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
He concluded: "FC Platinum are a good team, shown by the fact that they've won the league twice in a row.
"They are a good playing team, they like to play the ball on the ground. So I was telling even the coaches that we must not underestimate them because they can play, and we need to take the game seriously.
"Playing at Barbourfields Stadium, Highlanders supporters will be supporting Orlando Pirates because I played for them and I know they have the same culture. I'm happy to go back."
Kick-off is at 15:00.