Akbay praises Mutuma

RODERICK Mutuma has been tipped to resurrect his career at Highlanders as he is enjoying a better relationship with Coach Erol Akbay.

The Dutch national says he is keen to tame the 'Mario Baloteli' behavior in Mutuma and has hinted that the former Dynamos striker will be among the top scorers at the end of the season.

Mutuma had a flying start with the Bulawayo giants after enduring a disappointing season last year with Dynamos, and was offloaded for being a bad influence to the youthful squad.

The former Dynamos player, who also had a short stint with CAPS United in 2015, claims he is a changed man and turned to God for salvation.

"I have told him to behave. He is listening and it's evident by his conduct so far. A player must be good on and off the pitch. I told him to be the first player at training. If he remain disciplined, he will enjoy good results. Before I signed him, I told him I do not appreciate the Mario Balloteli behavior and he is aware.

"I know how he is as a person, and I would say this is his good chance, it's a golden opportunity which must be exploited."

"So far, he is doing well. When he can create three goals in one match, it's a good performance," Akbay said after the 3-0 win against FC Platinum in the Zimbabwe National Army Charity shield semifinal on Sunday.

Akbay continued:

"At times, the scorers do not matter but how the goal was created. I am happy for him. It's a great start and I hope he will do better."

He also hailed the combination of Prince Dube and Mutuma.

"I hope with all my heart that Mutuma will have a great season before going on to represent the national team.

"Dube has the pace, Mutuma is experienced. I am still working on the combination and a suitable tactic that suits them. So far, it gave us good results. It's a great combination."