Olhanense have started firing on all cylinders as they moved into sixth spot in the 2nd Division. The midweek game at Covilhã, situated on the edge of the Serra da Estrela, came under threat from a raging forest fire some three kilometres from the stadium. The dense black smoke was drifting up towards the Santos Pinto Stadium as the worried officials kept a watchful eye on the situation. Twice behind to goals from the lively Covilhã it was Olhanense who turned the game around with goals from Semedo, Aguilar and Paulo Regula. With eight minutes to go the home side brought on Erivelto who, with his first touch, powered home a free-kick that gave Tiago Maia no chance. 3-3 and all to play for but it was Tiago Maia who denied Covilhã a home victory with a world class save just prior to the final whistle. Four days later and Madeira side Maritimo ‘B’ were the visitors to the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão. Both sides played their part in a lively opening fifteen minute spell. The islanders Kukula saw his header rebound off the bar before Olhanense were denied a goal at the other end when Celestino’s shot hit the post. Fábio Abreu should have given Maritimo the lead on the half-hour when one-to-one against Tiago Maia but the Olhanense keeper saved well and Aguilar was on hand to head the rebound clear. Two minutes later and a fast flowing move down the right by Femi Balogun and Jorman Aguilar presented Celestino with the opening goal. A great move that delighted the crowd. In the second-half a double strike by Semedo – three goals in two games – sealed a comfortable 3-0 win. Ironically, Semedo is on-loan from Maritimo.
FINAL DAY SIGNINGS
As the transfer window closed on Monday Olhanense signed 26 year-old French striker Bedi Buval from Paços de Ferreira and keeper Valdemar Pereira Júnior from América Futebol Clube (Brazil). Ten years ago Buval was with Bolton Wanderers and has subsequently played in Greece, Denmark and Poland before joining Feirense three years ago. SC Farense have signed Harramiz Soares, a forward on-loan from Benfica and Fábio Lopes a midfielder from Boavista. Portimonense welcome the loan signing of João Paulo from CFR Cluj (Romania).
RECORD TRANSFER DEAL
Brazilian midfielder Lucas Souza, has recently been signed by Italian club Parma in the biggest deal in Olhanense’s history (€700,000 in staged payments and the transfer outright of Bazzoffia and the loan of Mastriani to Olhanense). Lucas Souza recorded a farewell message for the club and its supporters: “I thank everyone at Olhanense who gave me the opportunity and helped to build up my confidence for me to realise my potential”. He added that, “it was a privilege to wear the shirt of Olhanense and now I’m rooting for them to return to the Primeira Liga which it deserves and which it should never have left.” Finally Lucas Souza states: “I will not forget the fans, who have always supported me and I am very happy for this new opportunity in my career. I made some very happy and true friendships at Olhanense and my sincere thanks to all the people of Olhão. God bless the life of each and everyone of you.”
A TRULY FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE
Four expat fans of Olhanense – Vicki & Larry Bawden, Brian Caldwell and Chris Wright – made the five hour road trip to Covilhã to support their team. Leaving at dawn, they negotiated their way up-country along the near deserted roads between Mertola, Beja, Evora, Elvas, Portalegre, Castelo Branco and on to Covilhã and the Serra da Estrela. Covilhã were playing their first game at the picturesque Santos Pinto Stadium after refurbishments had been approved by the licensing authorities. The taxi driver who took the fans up through the winding cobbled streets, to the stadium, was full of praise for his local team, “the altitude and the high termpo of our team will cause you problems!” he said with a friendly smile. “I’ll be waiting outside the ground to take you back to your hotel afterwards irrespective of the result!”. First it was a case of purchasing tickets which was satisfactorily accomplished. Then much to their surprise, the Olhanense kit man Antonio Santos searched out the intrepid travellers and presented them with complimentary tickets. Explaining that they had already bought tickets he took their stubs and proceeded to get a refund for the full amount which paid for dinner later that evening! An exciting game (3-3), a forest fire in close proximity, friendly banter with the locals and the thanks of the Olhanense team at the final whistle made this a very special day. After an excellent meal at a recommended local restaurant the proprietor insisted on giving the fans a lift back to their hotel. As Chris Wright said, “this is what supporting your football team is all about. Friendship, camaraderie and being part of the community.” The Covilhã Four extend a special ‘thank you’ to the people of Covilhã and SC Olhanense for making their away trip such a memorable occasion.
