Peter Shalulile says his move to Tanzanian champions Young Africans is comparable to Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Juventus, dismissing claims that leaving South Africa's top flight is a step down in his career.
The 32-year-old Namibian international recently ended a trophy-laden spell with Mamelodi Sundowns to join Yanga on a free transfer, completing what is arguably the most high-profile move of the African transfer window.
Speaking at his official unveiling in Dar es Salaam, the Premier Soccer League's all-time record goalscorer delivered a staunch defence of the Tanzanian NBC Premier League's pedigree.
"Leaving South Africa and coming to Tanzania is like Cristiano leaving Real Madrid and going to Juventus," Shalulile said.
"There is no poor league. I know what I have chosen, and this is a highly competitive league. I have been watching it carefully, and you only have to look at the top players coming from this country to see that."
While Yanga have established domestic dominance in recent seasons, the club hierarchy is desperate to make a deeper impact in the CAF Champions League.
Shalulile, a previous winner of the competition with Sundowns, offered a pragmatic assessment of their continental hopes and the physical toll the tournament demands.
"It is a team sport; I cannot sit here and promise it is going to happen immediately," he added.
"Reaching a Champions League final requires a positive energy among the players and a shared dream aligned to one common goal. It is a process of failing, and failing, and failing again before you eventually succeed. That is how the Champions League is won."
Derby anticipation and the number 3 shirt
The forward also admitted he is already anticipating the Kariakoo Derby against fierce city rivals Simba SC, a fixture widely regarded as one of the most passionate on the continent.
"I have a friend who played for Simba, and he told me it is the best feeling you can ever experience in Tanzania," Shalulile said. "Just knowing that game is coming gives me goosebumps."
Despite heavy interest from across the continent following his Sundowns departure, Shalulile revealed the move was driven by faith and advice from his inner circle rather than purely financial motives. After a two-day period of reflection, alongside consultations with his elders and agent, he committed to the Tanzanian giants.
Fans will see the prolific marksman wearing a slightly different number this season. Having famously worn 38 in South Africa, he will don the number 3 shirt for Yanga.
"There is no secret behind it," he joked. "As long as the number has a three in it, I will take it."