Former Highlanders Coach Roy Barreto Dies at 72
Roy Barreto, the highly respected former Highlanders and Zimbabwe Saints coach whose career produced some of Zimbabwean football’s greatest successes, has died at the age of 72.
Barreto passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness. His death was confirmed by his longtime friend, Illan Elkaim, who said the veteran football mentor had been battling health challenges for some time.
“I am gutted. Roy had been ill for a while and finally succumbed today,” Elkaim said.
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A career built on success
Barreto established himself as one of Zimbabwe’s finest football tacticians during a coaching career that spanned several decades and crossed international borders.
He launched his coaching journey in Mutare in the early 1980s before relocating to Bulawayo, where he joined the Zimbabwe Saints technical team. His time with Chikwata was marked by notable success, including guiding the club to Chibuku Trophy glory before leading them to the league championship in 1988.
The achievements laid the foundation for a career that would see him become one of the country’s most decorated coaches.
Bosso triumphs and Dream Team role
In 1989, Barreto crossed the Bulawayo football divide to take charge of Highlanders, where he enjoyed another trophy-laden spell.
He steered Bosso to a league and cup double in 1990 before adding another milestone by winning the inaugural Premier Soccer League title in 1993.
Barreto also played a key role at national team level, serving as assistant coach to the late Reinhard Fabisch during Zimbabwe’s celebrated “Dream Team” era, when the Warriors came close to qualifying for the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Coaching beyond Zimbabwe
His reputation extended beyond Zimbabwe, earning him coaching opportunities elsewhere in southern Africa.
Barreto had a stint in Namibia before moving to South Africa, where he coached Free State Stars and later joined Orlando Pirates, helping the Soweto giants win the South African league title.
Survived by family
At the time of his death, Barreto was living in Portugal with his wife, Fazi.
He is survived by his wife and two daughters, one based in England and the other in Ireland.
Football fraternity pays tribute
Barreto’s death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across Zimbabwe and the region, with many remembering him as one of the country’s most influential coaches.
The post Legendary Title-Winning Football Coach Roy Barreto Dies at 72 appeared first on iHarare News.
