Manuel Jose is the new Manager of the National Team

The Angolan FA (FAF) have announced that they have signed former Al Ahly coach Manuel Jose for a period of a year, with the option of extending the contract for two more years.

In the press conference, the FAF president Justino Fernandes also noted that Luis Felipe Scolari and Paulo Cesar Carpeggiani were contacted and considered for the job, but preference fell on Manuel Jose due to his knowledge of African football.

Manuel Jose was due to have his first match in charge of the National team in early June, but he requested more time to work with the players. The National team had two matches scheduled for June but will now have to cancel the earlier match.

The opposing teams were not revealed but the national team is thought to have an agreement to play a friendly against Hungary at some point this year. Manuel Jose also offered to exploit his good relationship with the Egyptian federation and negotiate a friendly against Egypt.

This is probably the best move for the National team and for once, the FAF has done a brilliant job in persuading a manager with great credentials.

The National team can now progress and have a good AFCON in 2010. I can’t wait to see Manuel Jose’s work with the National team.

I mentioned in earlier posts that the Palancas can only improve as they are currently at the very bottom, and this is a significant stepping stone to progress.

Good Times for the Palancas Negras!