Zimbabwe giants Highlanders hire Jose Mourinho’s former right-hand man as coach

Jose Mourinho’s former right-hand man Baltermar Jose De Oliveira Brito has been unveiled as Highlanders FC’s new coach in Zimbabwe.

Brito has replaced Mandla Mpofu, who got the sack last week alongside his backroom staff at the Castle Premier League outfit.

A statement from Highlanders says Brito will be in charge of the Harare team up to December 2023. “Brito is a UEFA Pro License holder with vast experience, having worked as Jose Mourinho’s assistant at FC Porto in Portugal, Chelsea in England and Inter Milan in Italy,” the statement reads.

“Brito has won two UEFA Champions League titles, one UEFA Cup, two Premier League titles, two Portuguese League titles, two Portuguese League titles, two Italian Championships, and one FA Cup, among other cups in his career. Brito comes with an assistant Antonio Joao Martins Leao Torres from Portugal who is a holder of UEFA B license.”

The new coach has a tough job of reviving the fortunes of Highlanders, who are in an enviable position of 11 in the 18-member league.

Highlanders parted ways with Mpofu and his backroom staff on 18 May 2022, with second assistant coach Joel Luphahla being the only survivor of the purge. The club released the coaches due to unsatisfactory results.