Football Season Guide

Vizela had a great impact on their first ever season in top flight, quickly becoming one of the sensations in league, not only because of their spirited, attacking and sometimes irresponsible type of playing, but mostly for their amazing supporters who made every home game into a special celebration. Despite some interesting players on the squad, their biggest attraction was the 50-years old charismatic coach Álvaro Pacheco. There hasn’t been many changes on the squad for the new season, the biggest one being the departure of striker Guilherme Schettine. The striker was arguably the best attacker on the squad, but it was clear that he didn’t have the profile that Álvaro Pacheco appreciates. It was more important to keep the hardworking and team idol Cassiano, after some links with moves to Asia. Buntic arrived to give Pedro Silva some competition in goal; Charles failed to impress, last season, and is now leaving. At the back, only Richard Ofori left, and he wasn’t even a regular first team option. Pacheco will be thrilled to keep Anderson, Bruno Wilson, Ivanildo and Aidara for the centre, as well and Igor Julião and Koffi Kouao for the right side. Instead of Ofori, Kiki will have the competition of new signing, the promising Matheus Pereira on the left side of defence. In midfield, also no important departure. Guzzo, Claudemir (both hoping to have less injuries), Osama Rashid, Alex Mendez and most importantly Samu were kept for the new season. They will now have the youngsters Martim Boloto and Diego Rosa as very good covers for the long run. In attack, Francis Cann returned from loan spell, but all attention will be kept on the good Nuno Moreira and the excellent Kiko Bondoso, on the wings.