Former Jose Mourinho assistant coach Baltemar Brito faces arguably his toughest test in Zimbabwe when Highlanders host FC Platinum in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match on Sunday at Barbourfields Stadium.
This promises to be an exciting battle of wits between the top Portuguese mentor and ex-Chippa United gaffer Norman Mapeza who is are the helm of FC Platinum.
Since appointment the 71-year-old has presided over 11 games in all competitions where they won six times wins, drew on four occasions with one defeat as their only blemish.
The well-travelled mentor faces a team that has brushed aside almost every opponent with a 15 match unbeaten run.
EX-CHIPPA UNITED COACH WARNS BRITO
And coach Mapeza warned Brito that his men will be ruthless when they lock horns.
“We have to be in a bouyant mood. The way we played against Bulawayo City is disappointing but against Highlanders it’s a different ball game, which we are approaching with a different mentality,” Mapeza said.
“My eyes are firmly on the Highlanders match. We want to maintain the same shape, the same record and win what we can until the league ends.
“We all know what the next task presents so we are preparing with that in mind but I have to admit that it will not be easy for both of us. At the end of the day, there must be a winner.”
Having helped the Bulawayo giants end their four-year away winless record, Brito will be hoping to break yet another jinx as they have gone for almost nine years without beating FC Platinum in their own backyard, Barbourfields Stadium.
They last beat the three-time champions in October 2013 courtesy of a Njabulo Ncube brace that helped them to secure the win.
Ex-Kaizer Chiefs forward Michelle Katsvairo scored FC Platinum’s consolation goal.
This season, the first leg between the two sides was abandoned after a section of Highlanders supporters invaded the pitch, protesting a penalty decision that was controversially awarded to FC Platinum at Mandava stadium.
When the match was called off they were level at 1-1 but the disciplinary committee awarded FC Platinum the three points for the match on a 3-0 scoreline.
Having been found guilty Highlanders were also fined R107 000 [US$6 000]. Hopes are that this time around, violence will be curbed.
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