Mozambique: Former Guinea-Bissau handler Candé appointed Costa do Sol mentor

Baciro Candé (yellow) during his time as Guinea-Bissau coach in 2024. Photo Credit: Federação de Futebol da Guiné-Bissau 

Former Guinea-Bissau mentor Baciro Candé has been named the new head coach for Mozambique’s record champions, Clube de Desportos da Costa do Sol (Costa do Sol).

The Maputo-based team has confirmed the arrival of the 57-year-old who has replaced Portuguese Horácio Gonçalves ahead of the new season kicking off in a few weeks.

“Our new coach is already in Maputo! He arrived with great enthusiasm and confidence, sure that you will have an excellent stay in the country,” the statement reads.

“He is very motivated to do great work and has the unconditional support of all the fans and partners.”

Candé, a well-known figure at Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, was nominated for the 2023 CAF Coach of the Year Award following impressive performances with Guinea-Bissau.

He was Guinea-Bissau’s long-serving coach, from 2016 to 2024 when the FA decided against renewing his contract. Cande led the West Africans to qualification for four successive AFCON finals but failure to win in his last 12 consecutive games cost him the job.

He now has a huge task to revive the fortunes of the 10-time Mozambique champions who have of late played second fiddle to current holders Black Bulls and UD Songo.