Mozambique retain coach Abel Xavier

Mozambique retain coach Abel Xavier
Abel Xavier

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday Dec 20, 2017. 14:00

In a twist of events, the Mozambican Football Federation has decided to keep coach Abel Xavier after extending his contract.

Media reports suggest that Xavier will now remain in charge of the team and has signed a new contract until the 2019 CAF African Cup of Nations.

The Mambas mentor initially signed a two-year deal in 2016, but it is due to end next month and reports suggested that Mart Nooij was set to take over as coach.

However, the federation has handed the 45-year-old the role of leading the side as they will want to reach the AFCON tournament in Cameroon.

"My priority has always been clear - to make a mark and promote the growth of football in the country where I was born," Xavier is quoted by the BBC.

"I also want to work for results and maintain the respect that the world has for Mozambique at the moment."

Since taking over as coach in January 2016, he has a record of seven wins, eight losses and four draws in 19 matches.

However, in their bid to qualify for the continental showpiece, Mozambique beat Zambia 1-0 in their opening qualifier in Ndola and will also meet Namibia, Guinea Bissau in Group K.

On the other hand, MFF’s president Alberto Simango has confirmed the developments, saying the coach has fulfilled his mandate.

"We extended his contract because part of the requirements of the previous contract, which was the renewal and freshening of the squad and the elevation of our competitive levels, has been fulfilled," said Simango.




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