Highlanders coach Brito slams players' poor attitude after Simba Bhora thrashing

TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA 

Highlanders coach Baltemar Brito has lashed out at his players for their "poor attitude" and failure to follow his instructions after they suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Simba Bhora at Baobab Stadium on Saturday in a Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match.

Frustrated...Highlanders coach Baltemar Brito criticized his players' mentality following a heavy defeat at the hands of Simba Bhora in a Zim PSL match.

The loss was a huge blow to Highlanders' PSL title hopes, as they now trail log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars by six points, having once enjoyed a seven-point lead at the top of the PSL table.

Brito, who looked visibly frustrated after the match, told the media that his players lacked the mentality and the desire to win against a determined Simba Bhora side.

"Sometimes it's about the attitude of the players, and their mentality in the game. You tell them what to do and they don't do it and you end up losing," he said.

"But we keep believing, Ngezi lost against FC Platinum and we also lost. It's a tough competition."

Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya, on the other hand, was ecstatic after his boys put up one of their best performances of the season, scoring three goals without reply against a hapless Highlanders defence.

"I am very happy, and very excited after my boys put up one of their best performances of the season. Obviously, because we beat a big team, Highlanders are a team with a huge history, so getting one over them makes us very happy," he said.

Simba Bhora have now snatched four points from Highlanders during the current PSL 2023 season, having drawn 1-1 in the reverse fixture.