Following a run of poor results, including Olhanense’s shock 2-1 defeat in the Portugal (FA) Cup quarter-final at 2nd Division Oliveirense, it came as no real surprise when manager Daúto Faquirá was relieved of his duties.
President Isidoro Sousa and the Executive Committee have made a brave decision in appointing Sérgio Conceição, a former Portugal international, as the new man in-charge.
The 37-year old winger, who has no previous managerial experience, played 56 times for his country, netting 12 goals. His most memorable appearance was in the Euro 2000 Championship Finals when he scored all three goals in the shock 3-0 win over Germany.
Sérgio Conceição’s playing career included two spells at Porto and three seasons with Standard Liege (Belgium) before short spells in Kuwait and Greece.
The enthusiastic young coach, who has gained coaching experience in Belgium and Greece, has promised that the team will play with passion and commitment which have been missing in recent months.
His assistant is Jorge Rosário, who has worked for a number of years with Fernando Santos, the current national coach of Greece.
With poor attendances, the club is hoping that the new management team will give the loyal Olhanense fans something to cheer about, with the main aim being to consolidate their position in the Primeira Liga.
On the playing front Vasco Fernandes, the former Beira-Mar defender who started his career at Olhanense five years ago, has re-joined the Algarveans whilst Figueroa and Victor Meza are on their way out.
FANS LEAVE FOR MADEIRA
Last night (Thursday) 60 Olhanense supporters set-off for Lisbon to catch to-day’s early morning flight to Funchal in readiness for the game with Maritimo on Sunday.
This is the third season that a large contingent of fans has enjoyed a five-day trip to the magical island.
A tremendous bond of friendship has grown up between the two sets of fans and a number of special events have been arranged.
Two years ago the Olhanense Expat Supporters Group and ‘Os Gorilas’ raised €1,200 for the Madeira Disaster Appeal following the floods and mudslides that devastated the island.
