With Highlanders already out of the title race in the Zimbabwean premier league, the under-pressure Portuguese coach Baltemar Brito, who previously worked with the famous Jose Mourinho, has pleaded for patience from the club’s fans.
Brito is leaving no stone unturned to salvage his reputation by winning the 2022 Chibuku Super Cup after masterminding Highlanders’ 1-0 win over Triangle in a Chibuku Super Cup tie on Sunday.
The narrow win all but booked them a place in the quarter-finals of the knockout competition, but most importantly, it gave Brito some respite away from their league woes where they have gone for over 1500 days without registering an away win.
Stanley Ngala scored the priceless goal as they beat the Lowveld side, Triangle.
Under Brito, Bosso, as Highlanders are affectionately known, have played seven matches in all competitions where they won three times, drew three times and lost one game.
And with this decent record, though underwhelming for a coach of his calibre, the 70-year-old Portuguese coach continues to dream of brighter days for the club that last won the league title in 2006.
“These statistics motivate us to play. I have always said we shall get the win, and we did it right,” Brito said.
“As a club, we are very happy because it has been a long time coming for us.
“The confidence will definitely improve going into the league. We need to start picking away points away.
“I foresee good things for the team if we remain patient and trust the process and integration. We will do our part as coaches to execute the club’s objectives.
Brito added: “We are happy that we are giving our fans something to go back smiling about. This victory is for the fans, we are saying enjoy this moment, and I hope this is a turnaround for good things to come.”
In their next fixture, the Bulawayo giants host Caps United at their favourite hunting ground, Barbourfields stadium, hoping to maintain the winning momentum.
The draw for the Chibuku Super Cup quarterfinals will be conducted in due course, where their next opponents will be revealed.
