Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
LEAKING in two goals in your debut encounter and having come on as a substitute for that matter culminates to nothing but a horror show.
However, for Highlanders second choice goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi that was just an orientation for even tougher situations to come.
Pitisi made his Highlanders debut last Friday when Highlanders beat Yadah FC 2-3 at the National Sports Stadium.
It was not the dream debut for the 20-year-old as he conceded two goals having replaced Ariel Sibanda in the second-half of that encounter. The jury has been out for the youngster after letting in those two goals but that has not taken the confidence off the youngster and his coaches.
With Sibanda suspended for Bosso’s next encounter against Triangle at Barbourfields Stadium this Sunday, Highlanders coach Balmatar Brito has confirmed Pitisi will be between the sticks against the Sugar Boys. Sibanda has accumulated three yellow cards.
“Pitisi is going to start ahead of another young goalkeeper, Romeo Zimba (19). We have trust in Pitisi because we know the capacity he has. We like what he does at the training sessions and we are happy about him.
“We know the capacity he has and we are not afraid. We just want him to enjoy his game,” said Brito.
Commenting on the Pitisi debut Brito said: “It was not him who conceded two goals but the team. He was just the last man to beat before the goal. We were happy with his performance if you were there. The guy was in two or three situations where he made brilliant saves,” Brito added.
Pitisi himself is not reading into what transpired on his debut but is ready to grab the opportunity that has availed itself.
“All I want is to take this opportunity and I will grab it. I will play my normal football and try to give it my best. On my debut, I tried my best. I conceded two goals but I was ready to play.
“I knew the time for me to play would come. I don’t have pressure because I conceded those two goals. Highlanders fc are a big team, a big institution so I know that playing here will take me somewhere,” said Pitisi.
The goalkeeper was part of the national Under-20 squad that participated in the 2020 Cosafa tournament last year alongside Bulawayo Chiefs midfielder Lexington Mujokoro, Chicken Inn forward Munashe Pini, Dynamos’ Bill Antonio and Kelvin Mangiza of FC Platinum.
Pitisi joined Highlanders ironically from Triangle United where he was deputising first choice goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya. He also had a stint in South Africa with Vodacom League side Ollesdas on loan from the then Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC, which later rebranded to Marumo Gallants in the South African DStv Premier Soccer League.
He has the huge assignment of being heir to Sibanda who has commanded the Highlanders number one for over a decade after breaking into the first team in 2008 as a junior player.
Sibanda was promoted into the senior team in 2009 after first-choice goalkeeper Washington Arubi left. The 32-year-old goalkeeper has won a number of trophies with Bosso, including the 2019 Chibuku Super Cup, 2013 Mbada Diamonds Cup, the BancABC Super Sup, the NetOne-sponsored EasyCall Cup, and the Independence Cup, among others.
However, the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship has eluded him during his 12-year stay at Bosso.
Castle Lager Week 26 Fixtures
Today
Herentals v Yadah FC ( National Sports Stadium),
Saturday
Bulawayo City v Cranborne Bullets (Barbourfields Stadium), Harare City v ZPC Kariba (National Sports Stadium), Whawha v FC Platinum (Ascot Stadium), Ngezi Platinum v Bulawayo Chiefs (Baobab Stadium)
Sunday
Black Rhinos v Dynamos (Vengere Stadium), Highlanders v Triangle United (Barbourfields Stadium), Caps United v Tenax CS FC (National Sports Stadium)
Tuesday
Manica Diamonds v Chicken Inn (Vengere Stadium) — @innocentskizoe
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu