Since making the switch from Bradford City to Thai Premier League champions Muangthong United two months ago, Zesh Rehman has adjusted to life well in south-east Asia.

After an 18-month spell at Valley Parade, Zesh decided to head for pastures new, signing a two-year deal with last season’s Asian Champions League semi-finalists.

Having a completely different culture to adopt, a new language to pick up and a varying style of football to adapt to, the move could have been particularly daunting being so far away from home.

However, Zesh, ambassador for Kick It Out, has taken everything fully in his stride, making the transition with considerable ease.

He said: “I have adapted well. The transition was made easier for me by the staff at the club. They really went the extra mile to ensure my move from the UK was as smooth as possible, providing me with an apartment and car.

“I am slowly starting to pick up the basic Thai language but many of the players speak English, so that definitely helps. The manager is from Belgium and the coach from Brazil, and they both speak very good English too.”

Muangthong have won the Thai Premier League two years in a row. Having achieved back-to-back promotions before that, the club has instilled a real winning mentality, something Zesh noticed instantly upon his arrival.

“Being the Thai Premier League champions, there is definitely an air of positivity around the club. The players are made to feel like winners and this has a huge effect when entering the field of play.

“The media attention surrounding Muangthong is phenomenal. The press conference for new players saw approximately 100 different media outlets present. I have never seen anything like it in my career!”

Despite being all the way on the other side of the world, Zesh’s work doesn’t stop with the Zesh Rehman Foundation.

On February 8, Zesh will be teaming up with Kick It Out, for one of the foundation’s ‘Primary Kick-About’ community days, in which two schools from different areas of Bradford join forces to take part in a variety of football-related activities.

As an additional treat, the 40 pupils from Sandy Lane Primary and Springwood Primary will all be invited to see the game between City and Wycombe on Saturday.

Zesh said: “I have admired the work of Kick It Out for several years and have attended many of their successful workshops.

“The fact that Kick It Out wants to show its support for the foundation shows how we can work together in raising awareness of differences in the game and combating them.”

With regards to on-the-field matters, Zesh made his debut last week in the Kor Royal Cup final, the Thai version of the Community Shield.

Playing in front of a 40,000-strong crowd at the Rajamangala National Stadium, Muangthong were beaten 2-1 by arch rivals Chonburi, with Zesh nearly claiming a rare goal in his first appearance for his new club.

“The result was unfortunate but it was a milestone for me becoming the first British Asian and Pakistani international to play professional football in Thailand.

“I nearly capped my debut with a goal late on but unfortunately it was not to be on this occasion.”