Highlanders’ head coach, Baltemar Brito, has left the club and returned to Portugal after less than two seasons. His departure was confirmed by his assistant, Antonio Torres, who stated that they had reached an agreement with the club to part ways, NewsDay reported. Torres, who also acted as Brito’s translator, revealed their plans to travel from Germany to Portugal. He said:
We are in Germany now en route to Portugal. I can confirm that we are done with Highlanders, there is not much I can talk about but we have agreed with the club.
He also took to his Facebook page to express his gratitude and bid farewell to Highlanders. He said:
Done! One more beautiful chapter of my life is done. Highlanders such a big institution, was a big pleasure for me to belong to that family; very passionate supporters that are really the heart of that institution. We did our best, 22 unbeaten games proves how hard we tried. To much would be to talk but now is just time to say thanks…Once again thank you to all, was a big pleasure to be part of Highlanders. See u someday!
With the departure of Brito and Torres, Highlanders face a significant change in their coaching staff. It remains uncertain who will take over as the new coach and how this transition will impact the team’s performance. The club will need to adjust to this new phase and work towards maintaining its success in future seasons.
The Bulawayo-based club has not yet commented on the departure of coach Baltemar Brito. Reports from last month suggested that the club would not renew Brito’s contract when it expires on 31 December 2023. Brito, who took over the team in June last year, could not lead Highlanders to their first league title since 2006. Despite uncertainty about his future, he was appointed as the coach of the national team, the Warriors, in September. Brito guided Zimbabwe to two draws in the World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria. With his departure from Highlanders, he will now focus on his role as the national team coach.