Coach Abel Xavier has been approached by the president of the Mozambican Football Federation (FMF), Feizal Sidat, to replace Chiquinho Conde, whose contract expires on July 31. The information was published in the newspaper Desafio yesterday, Monday (24).

However, the coach's name was never formally put on the table with the other members of the Executive Board, such was the case with the pre-agreement between Feizal Sidat and Abel Xavier, indicating that as soon as Chiquinho Conde's contract came to an end, the Portuguese-Mozambican would take over as coach of the National Team.

Shortly after the CAN-2023 tournament, which took place in Ivory Coast between January and February, Sidat reportedly approached Abel Xavier and even agreed with the coach that he would be presented as coach of the "Mambas" as soon as Chiquinho Conde's contract ended.

Between January and March, Sidat was in Portugal, either directly or passing through on his way to a final destination as part of his work missions, and would have sat down with Abel Xavier, crystallizing the rapprochement between the parties.

Also in the meantime, a Mozambican coach, who was tipped to be part of Abel Xavier's future technical team, was also in Portugal to talk to the coach.

At last Wednesday's press conference, FMF president Feizal Sidat indicated that the chances of renewing Chiquinho Conde's contract are slim.

(Photo DR)