Among the prominent names shaping the future of football on the continent, the national team coach, Chiquinho Conde, has earned a prominent place by being nominated as one of the 10 coaches competing for the African Coach of the Year award.
This nomination represents well-deserved recognition for Chiquinho Conde's remarkable achievements leading the Mozambican national team, popularly known as the "Mambas". Two events in particular weighed heavily in Chiquinho Conde's inclusion on this prestigious list: the "Mambas'" successful campaign in the quarter-finals of the 2022 CHAN in Algeria and qualification for the 2023 CAN in Ivory Coast.
The CHAN (African Nations Championship) is a competition exclusively for players who play in their national leagues, making the challenge even more significant for the coaches. Under the guidance of Chiquinho Conde, the "Mambas" reached the quarterfinals of this competition, demonstrating the team's evolution and potential.
Furthermore, qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is an impressive milestone. The Africa Cup of Nations is one of the most prestigious football competitions on the continent, bringing together the best African national teams. Mozambique's presence in this tournament is a source of great pride and reflects the hard work and vision of coach Chiquinho Conde.
The African Coach of the Year award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 11th. At this event, Chiquinho Conde will compete with other equally talented coaches who have made their mark on African football. Regardless of the outcome, his nomination is already a testament to the respect and admiration he has earned throughout his career.
