Golden Arrows are currently one of the blunter sides in the Premier Soccer League mid-table maelstrom. However, that mediocrity tag cannot apply to Kudakwashe Mahachi.

While he has been retreaded into a central midfielder with free reign, he has thrived in a position where his team have been short of options.

While it robs them of his pace on the wing, it has allowed Arrows to utilise his creative services in the middle with more space.

With Arrows facing a red-hot Orlando Pirates side at Moses Mabhida Stadium tomorrow (3pm kickoff), Mahachi will be required to be at his best.

Eric Tinkler's side know all about Mahachi from the first-round clash when his 51st-minute goal paved the way to a deserved 2-0 away win.

"There's nothing to prove against Pirates. All we need to do is to work hard as a team so we can win matches, and that includes Saturday's match. We're coming from a rough patch. Our focus now is on finishing in the top eight," Mahachi said.

The Buccaneers have salvaged what looked to be a lost season with an impressive league run this year. They have moved from the nether regions of the log to sixth with 35 points from 24 matches.

After a bright start under Serame Letsoaka, Abafana Bes'thende seem to have gone the other way under Clinton Larsen, sinking to 11th with 29 points from 23 games. They were sixth at some point in the season, playing a brand of football that was not always attractive but delivered results. Mahachi has noted this regression and hopes they will be able to string together a cohesive performance.

"We've got a nice coach who's getting us to play some decent football. It was difficult to understand the playing patterns but now we're getting there," he said.