Mozambique FA in Advanced Talks With Coach Abel Xavier Over Contract Renewal

Mozambique’s Football Federation are expected to hand Mambas coach Abel Xavier an improved contract.

The Moz News says the process to keep Xavier at the national team is already underway and there is a possibility the Mambas trainer will be handed a two-year extension after his current deal expires on June 30.

Several Mozambican fans are negative about such a move after the former Portugal international failed to guide the Mambas to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Others believe that securing Xavier’s future will ensure continuity that will lead to the growth of the southern African nation’s football.

Xavier was tasked to qualify the team to 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after extending his contract for another two years with Mozambique Federation in 2017.

However, Mambas were eliminated from 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Guinea-Bissau in March.

Xavier was born in Mozambique but as a child, he moved to Portugal and played for them at international level.

The flamboyant Xavier’s previous coaching experience has been at Portuguese clubs Olhanense, Farense and most recently Desportivo Aves.

His colorful playing career at club level took him to stints at Benfica, PSV Eindhoven, Everton, Liverpool, Galatasaray, Roma and Los Angeles Galaxy.