HARARE - Black Rhinos coach Arthur Tutani has piled on the praise on FC Platinum gaffer Lloyd Mutasa ahead of the two teams’ Castle Premiership clash at Mandava Stadium today.
Tutani, whose team lies fourth from bottom, stated that Mutasa is one of the best coaches in the Zimbabwean domestic league, complementing the way the former Dynamos midfielder has led Platinum’s revival following an indifferent start to the season.
Last week, Platinum were unlucky to settle for a one-all draw after allowing Highlanders to come from behind, having led for the better part of the match.
The men from Zvishavane are 10th on the standings.
“Their coach (Mutasa) is a great psychologist and he demonstrates that in the most difficult moments,” Tutani told the Daily News yesterday.
“As Black Rhinos, we have a lot of respect for him. What he has done for FC Platinum is just exceptional. They have become a compact unit.
“FC Platinum is one of the few teams in the Premiership who plays eye-catching football. They believe in themselves and that is the most important thing about their team.
“They have the resources and quality players. That alone should remind Black Rhinos of a difficult match ahead.”
Tutani, who shocked his employers when he suddenly threw in the towel following the 1-3 defeat to Harare City last month, guided the army side to a 1-0 victory against Buffaloes week.
He later reversed the decision.
Tutani added: “We played well in our last match and we are hoping to carry on from where we left.
“Our strength lies in that we play as a team. We are expecting fans to come and rally behind the team. We are hoping to continue with the same spirit.
“As you are aware our position on the log is really a cause of concern. Thus we can’t afford to keep dropping points at this stage of the season. We are desperate for three points to improve on our position on the table.”
Today: ZPC Kariba v Chapungu (Gwanzura, SS), FC Platinum v Black Rhinos (Mandava), Chicken Inn v Chiredzi FC (Luveve).
Tomorrow: Hwange v Dynamos (Colliery), CAPS United v Shabanie Mine (NSS, SS), Triangle v Highlanders (Gibbo).
Monday: Harare City v Bantu Rovers (Rufaro, SS).