Naval go for French connection

Eight players from France at Figueira da Foz club

Naval’s policy of bringing in French footballers by the bucket-load continues apace. William NKake and Aboubacar Tandia have been purchased from lower league Parisian club Villemomble. There are now eight players of French origin residing at the Figueira da Foz outfit.

New recruits, Yero, Ouattara, Nkake and Aboubacar will be welcomed to the club by compatriots Godemeche, Peiser, Baradji and Alex Hauw. The heavy investment in players from France is explained by the appointment of football director, Jose Ferreira, who until recently was a Portuguese emigrant in France.

“Naval have offered me a two-year deal and we have a verbal agreement. I feel I’m going to realise a childhood dream,” said the delighted Aboubacar.

The 25-year-old striker believes he has what it takes to be a success in Portugal. “I’m at a good age to go abroad. I didn’t hesitate, I couldn’t refuse. Now I’ll cross my fingers and hope for the best.

“The Portuguese championship is a good showcase. I’ll be linking up again with Bourama Ouattara. We played together at Red Star (French club) and it was a marvellous season.

“We finished in first place, I scored a lot of goals thanks to his assists. It will be excellent to link up again with him because, above all, he’s a friend and somebody who knows me very well on the pitch.”

by Tom Kundert