Friday, Jun 17, 2011
Gulf News
Dubai Portugal’s Carlos Suarez Azenha has been named as the new coach of Sharjah Football Club by chairman Yahiya Abdul Kareem following the departure of fellow countryman Manuel Cajuda.
Azenha, aged 44, started his career as an assistant coach at Portugal’s Vitoria Setubal in 2000, he joined China’s Ghangsha Ginde in 2002 then Egypt’s Al Ahly in 2003. A spell with Boavista in 2005 was followed by Porto in 2006. He became first team coach of Vitoria Setubal in 2009 and joins direct from Portimonense.
Dynamics
A source close to the club said: “This is an interesting appointment in terms of changing the dynamics of local football by Sharjah for a number of reasons; he’s a qualified educator with experience in physical education with youth, he’s also young for a coach by regional standards and this is one of his first main coaching roles representing a bigger challenge for him — he also has experience in Arab football.”
Sharjah finished seventh this season. Cajuda left the club after losing 3-2 at home to Al Ahli, citing on his blog: “While struggling daily with endless and immense difficulties, it still was a super experience truly enriching in both a cultural and sports sense, albeit in a very modest club, it was a club that was compliant.”
With a pioneering soccer school scheme now underway in a number of local schools, Sharjah is making real inroads toward engaging with the local community and has rallied the UAE FA to allow expatriate children to join its youth ranks.
Azenha’s experience at this development level is said to be the clincher in this deal.
This is an interesting appointment in terms of changing the dynamics of local football by Sharjah for a number of reasons; he’s a qualified educator with experience in physical education with youth.”
By Ashley Hammond?Staff Reporter
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