STANFORD “Stix” Mtizwa made his name long before Rahman Gumbo arrived on the scene in the field of play, but the latter now boasts a better record in the dugout.
While Rahman has won the league title in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana, Stix has had an on and off coaching career.
The two come face to face at Luveve on Thursday when Black Rhinos play Chicken Inn in a league match.
Stix told H-Metro that Rahman had distinguished himself well in coaching but was quick to point that the terrain was fast changing to continue counting on past glories.
“No doubt he developed to become a very good coach after his playing days and there is no doubt whichever team he is leading will be very solid.
“We are very much aware of that but things are also changing and we go there with hope of getting a result and we know anything is possible,” Stix told H-Metro.
Asked on his experiences with Rahman, Stix said: “I played against him briefly when he was still very young and turning out for Eagles. He was a very prolific striker then before he changed his position later.
“During that time he also made some appearances for the national team. That was before he later became very established at Highlanders and the national team when I had already stopped playing.
“There is no doubt he has always be a football person and that explains why he is such a good coach.”
Going into today’s game Stix says he is in a better position to know what to expect.
“I think I know more of him than he knows of me and my team. They have lost just once and we have also lost just once. We expect a very good game,” he said.
Black Rhinos floored Bantu Rovers 3-0 in their last encounter at the National Sports Stadium.
The Gamecocks on the other hand stunned Triangle 1-0 at Gibbo, making sure that they stayed on track in the league campaign.
“Everyone who played against Bantu is fit for the game so there are no changes for this game. It is a game that we must try to win at all costs.
“We must at least come up with something from that away game. We know it will not be easy but we have to try our best,” said Stix.