adminInnocent Kurira in BULAWAYO
HIGHLANDERS’ back-up goalkeeper, Raphael Pitisi, has to improve on his horror show after leaking two goals in quick succession, in their 3-2 win over Yadah in Harare, last Friday.
Pitisi (20) made his Bosso debut after replacing veteran Ariel Sibanda, in the second half.
The jury has been out for the youngster, since conceding those two late goals, but that has not dampened his confidence.
With Sibanda suspended for Bosso’s next encounter against Triangle at Barbourfields on Sunday, Highlanders’ coach, Balmatar Brito, confirmed that Pitisi will be between the sticks.
“Pitisi is going to start ahead of another young goalkeeper, Romeo Zimba (19).
“We have trust in Pitisi because we know the capabilities he has.
“We like what he does in training and we are happy with him,” said Brito.
“We know the capacity he has and we are not afraid.
“We just want him to enjoy his game.
“It was not him who conceded two goals, but the team.
“He was just the last man to beat before the goals.”
Pitisi himself is not reading into what transpired in his debut match.
“All I want is to take this opportunity and l will grab it.
“I will play my normal game and try to give it my best.
“In my debut, I tried my best. I conceded two goals, but l was ready to play.
“l knew the time for me to play would come.
“I don’t have pressure because l conceded those two goals. “Highlanders are a big team, so l know that playing here will take me somewhere,” said Pitisi.
The goalkeeper was part of the national Under-20 squad at the 2020 COSAFA tournament last year.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter