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| Tuesday, 10 November 2009 17:04 |
Chiquinho Conde targets job in Portugal after conquering MozambiqueFerroviário crowned champions Former Portuguese football stalwart Chiquinho Conde has led Ferroviário de Maputo to the 2009 Mozambique championship, and quickly set his sights on continuing his managerial success back in Portugal.
Born in Beira, Mozambique, Conde spent almost his entire career in Portuguese football, after arriving at Belenenses as a youngster in 1987. In total, the striker represented seven clubs in Portugal, including Sporting, Braga and three separate spells with Vitoria Setubal, before hanging up his boots with Algarve minnows Imortal DC in 2003. In recent years, the 43-year-old has been carving out a name for himself as a coach back in his homeland. Earlier this year, Conde was hired by Ferroviário’s academy to coach the club’s youngsters, but a poor start to the campaign saw him installed as first-team boss with the defending champions languishing in 5th place, seven points off top spot. Under Conde, the team embarked on a remarkable turnaround in fortunes, culminating in what was essentially a title-decider on the last day against rivals Deportivo de Maputo. Needing just a point to secure a 9th championship, Conde’s Ferroviário earned a 1-1 draw to remain three points clear of their city rivals. “We made a sensational recovery,” Chiquinho told A Bola. “In the last 13 games, we won nine, drew three and lost once. And we still have the final of the cup, which as they say is there to be won!  “I learned as a player in Portugal and it’s where my family is. It’s no secret that I would like to coach in Portugal. I came to Mozambique because I was given an opportunity, which was not the case in Portugal, where I have never had an offer. If I don’t get any proposals from Portugal, I will continue in Mozambique with Ferroviário, because we’re already planning for next season and the African Champions League!”Portuguese football’s well-documented constant managerial merry-go-round is sure to see coaching positions opening up in the near future, but it remains to be seen whether any Liga Sagres or Liga Vitalis clubs will be willing to take a gamble on a former veteran of the Portuguese game. PortuGOAL Podcast: Braga topple Benfica, Bento on the brink and sackings galore
Comments (1)
Should get a chance
1
Tuesday, 10 November 2009 17:26
Mario/Toronto
There are a few teams looking for a coach. I think he's worth a short, plus he maybe able to bring a couple young/lesser known talent over to the league.
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