The future of Chiquinho Conde as the head coach of the Mozambique national football team, the Mambas, remains uncertain as his contract nears its end. With just over a month left on his current deal, Feizal Sidat, President of the Mozambican Football Federation (FMF), added to the speculation during a press conference on Wednesday.
Sidat did not shy away from addressing the ambiguity surrounding Conde’s tenure.
“We have good results, but we need a calm environment,” Sidat remarked, highlighting the necessity for a respectful and stable relationship between the coach and the federation.
Tensions Between FMF President and Coach Chiquinho Conde
Sidat’s comments about needing a “calm environment” alluded to recent tensions between himself and Conde.
He recounted an incident from the last international break that underscored this discord.
“The Federation demands respect from the Mambas coach,” Sidat emphasized.
He described an encounter where, after congratulating Conde on a victory, he was met with complaints from the coach about the lack of basic amenities.
“Chiquinho Conde disrespected me when I went to the locker room to congratulate him on the victory.
He came up to me and said: ‘Mr. President, we don’t have ice, we don’t have any ice cream here.
‘ I left the locker room disappointed,” Sidat recalled, expressing his dissatisfaction with the coach’s behavior.
Awaiting a Decision on Conde’s Future
Despite the friction, Sidat confirmed that Conde is still under contract with the FMF and currently in Portugal attending to his ill daughter.
The decision on his future with the national team, however, remains unresolved.
“When the time comes, we will say whether Mr.
Chiquinho stays or not, because it is not only a decision of the president,” Sidat stated, indicating that the final decision rests with more than just his own authority.
Sidat clarified that the decision-making process involves the federation’s executive team, particularly the Vice President for National Teams, Paito.
“It’s just an executive decision, mainly from the vice president for national teams, Paito.
It is this team that has a decision as to whether he will stay or not, because we also had the same approach when signing him,” he explained.
Uncertain Future as Contract Expiration Looms
As the expiration of Conde’s contract approaches, the uncertainty surrounding his position adds a layer of complexity to the Mambas’ preparations and future plans.
With the FMF leadership emphasizing the need for mutual respect and a harmonious working environment, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Conde will continue to lead the national team or if a new chapter awaits Mozambique’s footballing aspirations.
The situation leaves Mozambique’s football community in anticipation, as they await the federation’s final decision on whether Chiquinho Conde will remain at the helm of the Mambas or if a new direction will be charted.
