Cristiano Bacci has been named ‘Best Coach in the Segunda Liga’ by Goalpoint.pt, a website that specialises in information processing and statistical analysis in professional sport.
Forty-one coaches came under the statistical microscope during the season with the 41-year-old Italian being the only non-Portuguese! With a distinctly Italian style of play, Olhanense finished in seventh place with the third best defence in the league.
Bacci recently won a new two-year contract as Olhanense look to challenge for promotion next season. With four wins in their last five games, Bacci overtook former Olhanense player Pépa of CD Feirense who snatched the second promotion place on the final day of the season. Third place went to Luís Castro who won the Segunda Liga title with Porto ‘B’ whilst José Augusto (SC Portimonense) took fourth spot. In the Primeira Liga, the first three places went to Lito Vidigal (Arouca), Rui Vitória (Benfica) and Pedro Martins (Rio Ave).
Another step forward
Following the installation of a state-of-the-art new football pitch at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão, there is even more good news. Plans have been unveiled by SC Olhanense for their own training centre in Quelfes, some 4kms north-east of the town.
The club, which this year celebrated its 104th anniversary, has successfully applied for funds from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and has the support of Olhão Câmara. The new facility will include a full size synthetic astro-turf pitch, two smaller training pitches, gymnasium and medical centre.
For too many years, the senior team and six youth sides have had to use training facilities as far afield as Vila Real de Santo António and Lagos.
Edgar Candeias, vice-president responsible for training and youth development, said: “The club is preparing to take a big leap forward and this is a project of recognised quality. The €180,000 grant from the FPF, together with the support of the local authority and private sector partners, will help to ensure our new training centre will become a reality.”
SC Olhanense is already an accredited FPF-certified training provider and this development is a huge step in improving the opportunities offered to the young people of the area.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
Photo: Cristiano Bacci
