HIGHLANDERS coach Baltemar Brito has revealed his admiration of FC Platinum, who he says will coast to their fourth league title ahead of the two teams’ clash in a league match on Sunday.
FC Platinum lead the log standings with a 10-point gap over nearest rivals Chicken Inn with six matches to go. They need nine points to be guaranteed the biggest football prize in the country.
Brito, who took over Highlanders midway in the season, said his team was targeting a top-four finish as they build a team that could challenge for the league title next season.
He praised FC Platinum for keeping faith with coach Norman Mapeza presiding over a distinct style of play.
“In our opinion, the title, the championship is done. The job is done to FC Platinum. In our opinion they will be the champions because they come from years of this process, years of the same coach (Mapeza), years of making some small adjustments to the club and the way they play. In our opinion, these put together give the title to them,” Brito said.
The Portuguese gaffer said he was happy for Highlanders at the moment and will be content with a top-four finish.
Brito has previously said he is building a team to compete for the league title next season.
“What we want now is the same that we have always wanted since we arrived here. The club is growing as a team, growing in our style and in our philosophy. At least we will try and maintain the top four position to the end of the season,” Brito said.
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Under Brito, Highlanders have played 11 games, winning six, playing four draws and only losing once, rising from relegation candidates to a top four finish.
The two teams clash at Barbourfields Stadium, with Highlanders hoping to end their eight-year barren run against the platinum miners in a league match.
FC Platinum, who have so far garnered 61 points from 28 games, will approach the match with a winning mindset as they look to wrap up the title in quick time.
Chicken Inn and Dynamos are second and third on 51 and 50 points.
Highlanders, on 45 points can reach 63 points if they collect all of the points available to them and their best hope is a second-place finish, depending on the results of Chicken Inn and Dynamos.
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