Profile: Coach Luis Oliveira Gonçalves

Since taking over as coach of Angola in 2003, coach Luis Oliveira Gonçalves has quickly established himself as a national hero. Sometimes called the “Miracle Man” and the “Professor”, Gonçalves is the first coach to lead the Palancas Negras to the World Cup.

For more than a decade he has poured his blood, sweat and tears into Angola football.

Gonçalves first gained notoriety for the great job he did with Angola’s U-20 team leading them to the round of 16 at the World Youth Championships in Argentina in 2001. He also led the youth squad to the African Youth Championship and had success coaching Angola’s under-15s, under-17s.

Gonçalves was born in Portugal in 1960. His playing career never went any further than the second division in Angola, but it just goes to show that you don’t need to be a great player to be a great coach.

When you see him on the sidelines this summer you’ll notice he is a sharp dresser with a love for shiny grey jackets and silk ties.