New manager António Conceição and his technical team will have their work cut out as Olhanense prepare for a difficult start to life in the 2nd Division.
The first competitive game could not be further away – 3,200kms round trip to the Azores – when they meet Santa Clara in the League Cup on July 27.
With five teams in the group, the first home game in the League Cup is against Tondela on August 3. The first league game of the season is at home to Leixões on August 9.
With 19 players having left, following the team’s relegation from the Primeira Liga, these are frantic times as a new squad is being hastily created.
Ten players remain from last season with five new additions. The major acquisition is Brazilian striker Weldon, 33, who last season was with Annapolis (Brazil) having previously been with Benfica three years ago.
The other new signings are defender André Pires (ex-Sporting Braga), midfielders Dani (ex-Gondomar) and Diogo Melo (ex-Portimonense) whilst striker Gonzales Prado joins from Deportivo Cali, Colombia. The first local derby is against SC Farense in early October.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
