BRITO WINS FIRST GAME

Curtworth Masango
HIGHLANDERS coach, Baltemer Brito, says his boys deserved their victory after their nervy 3-2 win over Black Rhinos in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Barbourfields yesterday.

The match was the first game in which the Portuguese gaffer took charge of Bosso.

He replaced the sacked Mandla Mpofu.

Stanley Ngala and a Lynoth Chikukwa brace were enough for Bosso to secure maximum points.

Farai Banda and Eli Ilunga, with a beauty, were on target for Rhinos.

There was great anticipation from the crowd, who braced the cold conditions, to watch the first game for their highly-rated coach.

Brito is the first UEFA Champions League-winning coach to lead a Zimbabwean club after he once worked with Jose Mourinho.

“It’s not a perfect match for us as the players were jittery at some points of the game.

“We had three weeks of sessions, without playing matches, and the game today gave us the emotional things that come with real matches.

“As you saw, the boys were strong and it was a struggle.

“The boys really deserved the victory in all respects. They understand well what we need from them though it is not the perfection of what we wanted.”

He added:

“We learn from each game and they (Rhinos) played well. Their player scored an amazing goal. We need to congratulate the player for it.

“The fans pushed us up the field and we would want to see them doing so week in week out.

“I am feeling good because we finished with three points. The fans pushed us for this win and we are happy.”

Black Rhinos head coach, Herbert Maruwa, said a lapse in concentration from his defence resulted in them being punished.

“It was a good game from both teams. Our boys showed the fighting spirit as we managed to come back from behind twice.

“Then, eight minutes to go, the boys went to sleep and we were not good enough on set pieces and it let us down.

“We failed to clear our lines and we failed to win.

“In the second half, we controlled the game but, unfortunately, we could not score, despite creating chances.

“But, it’s difficult to play at Barbourfields, the fans make it difficult for visiting teams here.

“The second half of the season is going to be tough for everyone.”