‘I’m ready for the PSL’
KICK OFF: You have been without a job since leaving the Mozambique national team in 2019, what have you been doing since then?
Abel Xavier: When I left Mozambique I was in talks with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for a while, I think it went public. I was a candidate to become their next coach but in the end, in the shortlist of three candidates I believe the technical commission chose Micho Sredojevic [after his stint] with Zamalek. But in my view, there were clear points that they appreciate the work that I did with the Mozambique federation. After coming from the pandemic situation, everything stopped [in terms of jobs], negotiations, meetings with clubs. Right now, I’m looking towards a new project, a few clubs have approached me but I’m taking my time to make the correct decision.
What can you offer as a manager at club level, given your task with Mozambique would have been challenging with limited resources. Why will you be a success at club level in Africa?
I know the international environment very well because I played for Portugal national teams for more than 20 years. All the development and programmes I went through taught me a lot. I managed three clubs [Olhanense, Farense and Desportivo Aves] in Portugal before Mozambique. Portugal has a great track record of youth
