HIGHLANDERS’ second choice goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi will get a rare start when his side hosts Triangle in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields (BF) Stadium on Sunday with first choice Ariel Sibanda on suspension.
The veteran shot stopper is suspended this week after picking up his third yellow card in the 3-2 win over Yadah in a league match at the National Sports Stadium on Friday.
Pitisi (20) was given his debut, 11 minutes before the final whistle in that game and let in two goals, with Highlanders leading the Miracle Boys 3-0.
But the goalkeeper is looking forward to the Triangle encounter.
“I will grab the opportunity and just play my normal football. I will just try to give my best to the team. I tried my best in Harare. Of course I conceded two goals, but I was ready because I knew my time would come one day, so I am not under pressure at all after conceding the two goals,” Pitisi said.
Coach Baltemar Brito has faith in Pitisi, whom he gave game time in that game together with other young players Prince Ndlovu and Mason Mushore.
“It was not him who conceded the goals. It’s just that he was the last man. We were happy with his performance. We conceded two goals, but the guy was good. He made two or was it three brilliant saves,” Brito said.
The Portuguese national said it is time the Highlanders fans considered the young players as members of the senior team just like all the other players as they work very hard and impress the coaches at training.
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He called on the fans to throng BF in their numbers and rally behind the team as they fight for another three points.
Highlanders have shot to position four on the log table after the two wins against Caps United and Yadah, the latter being the club’s first away league win in four years.
They face the Sugar Sugar Boys, who they recently bundled out of the Chibuku Super Cup with a 1-0 win at Gibbo to earn a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
The two sides played a goalless draw in the reverse league fixture at Gibbo in April.
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