Former Manchester United coach takes over Mauritius reins

Jean Pierre Sophie of Mauritius challenged by Harry Nyirenda of Malawi during the 2016 Cosafa Cup match between Mauritius and Malawi at Independence Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 14 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

by Bertin Basson

Thursday Aug 03, 2017. 11:00

Former Manchester United youth coach Joaquim Francisco Filho, has been appointed as the new head coach of Mauritius.

The BBC revealed on Wednesday that the 76-year-old had taken over the reigns from Joe Tshupula, who announced his resignation following the country's failure to qualify for the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to be hosted in Kenya.

Filho faces an uphill task, but will be pleased with the showing of the Islander's U17 team in reaching the final of the 2017 COSAFA Cup on home soil.

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As for the Senior side, Filho's next task is preparing the country for the Indian Ocean Islands games, scheduled to take place in the country in two years time with Mauritius having also failed to reach the group stages of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

"I have noticed that there is a great willingness to learn and improve here in Mauritius," Filho is quoted as saying.

"It is most important. You have to learn the basics, and then climb the ladder step by step."

"A lot remains to be done in Mauritius especially at technical level.

"In football, the most important thing is technique whereas the physical part comes next," he concluded.