B-Metro
Fungai Muderere
HIGHLANDERS’ Portuguese gaffer Baltemar Brito has been in charge of six games winning three, drawing twice and losing one, a development that has enabled him to dribble into the hearts of many Bosso die-hards.
Jose Mourinho
The 71-year-old is a holder of the UEFA Pro Licence and has worked with renowned Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho.
He took over from Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu in June.
Under Brito’s reign Bosso has won three games – Black Rhinos 3-2, Manica Diamonds 3-0 and Bulawayo City 1-0, drew 1-1 against Ngezi Platinum Stars and Tenax 0-0 while losing 2-1 to Whawha in the process.
In that regard under the guidance of their new mentor the black and white army has managed to collect a total of 11 points from a possible 18 which translates to 61 percent success rate.
From the games under review Highlanders have found the back of the net nine (9) times conceding five (5) to give them a goal difference of +4.
The Bulawayo football giants, who are now on position six on the log table with 34 points, 16 shy of pacesetters FC Platinum, are on a strike rate of 1.3 per match.
Brito, who was Mourinho’s assistant when the self-proclaimed Special One shocked the world and guided the Portuguese outfit FC Porto to Champions League success in 2004, has also won the hearts of many Highlanders followers by fielding youngsters.
Some of the youngsters in Highlanders’ senior team who are expected to feature prominently in the remaining matches include striker Mthabisi Mabobo Ncube (18), goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi who turns 20 in October, defender Andrew Mbeba (22) and midfield genius Divine Mhindirira (22).
Defensive midfielder Darlington Mukuli (22), promoted into the senior team in March this year alongside Archiford Faira (21), both products of Bosso 90, have been given opportunities.
Since taking over, Brito has made a number of changes not only with the type of play, but the positioning of players on the pitch as well.
Rahman Kutsanzira
The coach has often assigned midfielders Rahman Kutsanzira and Godfrey Makaruse at right wingback and left wingback, respectively.
Left back Mbongeni Ndlovu has been drafted to play at centre back under Brito.
Adrian Silla is another player that has a new role under Brito.
When Bosso are in attack, Silla drops more into the left-back role with Godfrey Makaruse probing forward.
Though Makaruse has thrived in the role, the system doesn’t seem to bring out the best of Silla though the team has benefited from it.
At Bosso, Brito is assisted by Antonio Joao Martins Leao Torres and Joel Luphahla.
