Olhanense have given contracts to four of their promising youth players as they embark on an ambitious development programme. The club runs a number of teams from Under 10 up to Under 18 level and last season the youth team played in the top flight of junior football against the likes of Benfica, Sporting Lisbon and FC Porto.
Eighteen-year-old Renato Marques, son of former Sporting Lisbon midfielder Ademar who played twice for Portugal, has signed along with Ricardo Fiálho (defence), Jonathan Gonçalves (midfield) and Miguel Bandarra (winger).
They joined other Olhanense players that left Olhão on Tuesday to travel to Hong Kong to take part in the prestigious Lunar New Year Tournament.
Manager Giuseppe Galderisi is also delighted to have secured the services of Italian U21 international defender Mario Sampirisi, on loan from Genoa until the end of the season. Standing at over six feet, he is a thoughtful passer with excellent positional sense and was a target for Chelsea and Manchester United whilst he was with AC Milan two years ago.
Koné, who only made four appearances as substitute, has left the club and possible new signings – before the transfer window closes at midnight on January 31 – include Nigerian centre-forward Obodo, Croatian striker Vukusic and former Olhanense midfielder Paulo Sérgio who is currently with Arouca.
Because of the Hong Kong tournament, Olhanense’s crucial game away at bottom side P. Ferreira will take place on Wednesday February 5. The following weekend the Algarveans are at home to Madeira outfit Marítimo.
Photo: U21 International Mario Sampirisi joins on loan from Genoa
