The Super Cup game between Benfica (Primeira Liga champions) and Sporting Lisbon (Portugal Cup winners) takes place at the Algarve Stadium on Sunday, August 9 and is sure to attract much attention as Jorge Jesus takes charge of Sporting for the first time.
A day earlier (Saturday August 8), Olhanense kick-off their Segunda Liga programme against Benfica ‘B’ at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão, whilst SC Farense travel to Ac. Viseu and SC Portimonense are away to FC Porto ‘B’.
It looks as if there will be yet another change of manager at Olhanense as Cristiano Bacci is rumoured to have moved back to Italy.
Strong favourite to replace him is Bruno Saraiva, who took charge of Olhanense for three games at the end of the 2012/13 season and steered the team away from relegation.
Centre-back Daniel Materazzi was announced as the club’s first reinforcement, signing a contract for two seasons.
Daniel Jorge Barbosa Ramos, 30, known in the world of football as Daniel Materazzi, is a native of Gondomar and started his career at FC Porto. He has also played for Freamunde, Tondela, Leixões and Santa Clara where, last season, he made 23 game appearances for the Azores team.
Former SC Braga and Sporting Lisbon midfielder João Oliveira, 23, became the second new signing when he put pen-to-paper last week. Other likely reinforcements are rumoured to be Micael Babo (ex-Trofense) and former Portugal U18 international Gil Dias (ex-Gondomar).
Beira-Mar have been expelled from the Segunda Liga for failing to meet their financial obligations which has resulted in a reprieve for Lisbon side Atlético who had been relegated. C.W.
Photo: New manager Bruno Saraiva?
