Sundaymail Editor
Langton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
THE last time Highlanders had a Brito in their camp was back in the early 2000s when retired goalkeeper Britto Gwere used to turn out for the Bulawayo giants.
Gwere featured for Bosso when they were still a dominant force on the local scene, winning four league titles on the bounce between 1999 and 2002.
He also played for Black Rhinos, who interestingly have never beaten Highlanders at Barbourfields in the new millennium.
The two sides clash at the Bosso fortress this afternoon, in what will be Brazilian Baltimore Jose Oliveira Brito’s first match in charge.
He took over from Mandla Mpofu on June 4.
Brito must be praying for a soft landing, as much as he is yearning for a perfect start to life in the Bosso dugout.
In Black Rhinos, he might have been presented with a good opportunity, if records are anything to go by.
Although Chauya Chipembere beat Bosso 2-0 in their opening match of the 2021/2022 season, the army side have never beaten Highlanders in a league match at Barbourfields since the turn of the millennium.
In fact, Rhinos are yet to pick a point against Bosso in Bulawayo since September 10, 2006, when their duel ended in a goalless draw.
Highlanders, then under Methembe Ndlovu went on to win the league title but since then the championship has eluded them.
They have tried more than 10 coaches, from different parts of the globe, but to no avail.
Mohamed Fathy (Egypt), Kelvin Kaindu (Zambia), Elroy Akbay (Netherlands), Mark Harrison (England) are some of the foreign coaches that have tried their luck at Bosso since 2016.
Their latest acquisition, Brito, is a former assistant to the famed Jose Mourinho and his arrival has, as expected, reignited some hope amongst the Bosso faithfuls.
A journeyman of his own, Brito worked with Mourinho at FC Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan before stints in Libya, Tunisia and Greece.
He rarely stays more than a season at a club and at Bosso he signed a contract that keeps him in Bulawayo until 2023.
Will that be long enough for him to instil his philosophy?
“We think we are in the right way, this is a long process, it’s not a week’s process,” Brito’s assistant Antonio Torres told Highlanders media in a video posted on their Facebook page. At Thursday’s press conference, Brito emphasised the importance of fans as Highlanders seek to move up the table.
Bosso were boosted by the three points they were awarded on a 3-0 score line for their abandoned match against Dynamos at Barbourfields on May 15.
They now have 23 points, three behind Rhinos.
“I invite the fans to come in their numbers to watch the game. They are the 12th player and have a role to play in our mission to awaken the giant.
“During the break, we tried to build the identity of the team that the fans will go out to the stadium to watch and appreciate.
“We know the process is not a two-week process, but we are already in that process of bringing that identity.
“The fans can expect a team that wants to play well, a team that is showing the hunger to win from the first minute,” the Brazilian said.
Brito has a clean health bill in his first game in charge, meaning he has the chance to use Nqobizitha Masuku, Adrian Silla and Devine Mhindirira in what should be a strong midfield.
Skipper and keeper Ariel Sibanda, tough defender Peter Muduhwa and striker Stanley Ngala are all available to face Rhinos, who are unbeaten in their last seven league matches.
Despite being aware of their poor record at Bosso, Rhinos coach Herbert Maruwa, was bullish ahead of the encounter.
“Of course, we are anticipating a tough game against Highlanders in Bulawayo but we need to make sure we break that jinx,” he told The Sunday Mail Sport.
“We beat them in the first round and its now water under the bridge. A lot has changed, they have a new coach and the new coach will be hoping for a good start.
“Players always want to impress the new coach so basically it’s going to be tough.
“However, my boys have to rise to the occasion and these are the games in which stars are born,” said Maruwa.
Maruwa has a blend of youth and experience.
He can bank on veterans like 2010 Soccer Star of the Year finalist Allan Gahadzikwa, Farai Banda, Tawanda Nyamandwe, Collen Kwaramba and Blessed Mbavarira.
Rhinos also have some promising players in Keith Madera and Denzel Mutudza.
Their clashes against Highlanders Rhinos have been close in recent seasons.
They have two wins apiece in their last five league meetings. The other game ended in a draw.
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