First signs look promising for SC Olhanense as boss Vasco Faísca and his assistant Flávio Soares watched their new charges lose by a single goal against SC Portimonense U23s.
In a robust workout at the José Arcanjo Stadium last Saturday, the pick of the new players – sixteen in all – were Rafael Floro, who spent two years at Sheffield Wednesday, Patrick Igwe who became the third Nigerian to join Olhanense following in the footsteps of Adewale Sapara and Sunday Akoh plus the centre-back pairing of André Gomes and Joshua Silva.
Olhanense skipper Leleco led by example and had the best effort on goal when his shot thudded against the bar. A poor back-pass allowed the visitors to score late in the second-half. The only concern, with two weeks to go before the opening fixture in the Campeonato de Portugal, is the lack of firepower upfront but the Italian investors may well bring in a centre-forward and whispers abound that fans favourite Stevy Okitokandjo may return.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
