Francisco da Conceição was recently removed from his position as National Director of Performance Sports at the State Secretariat for Sports (SED), ending a nearly 10-year career in public service. The decision was made by Carlos Gilberto Mendes, Secretary of State for Sports, and is related to dissatisfaction surrounding the organization of the 11th National Sports Gala, held on July 18, 2024.
With a remarkable trajectory in Mozambican sports, Francisco da Conceição began his career as a basketball coach. In 2001, he led the Académica women's team to the African Club Championship title in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. In 2005, he won the national championship with the Ferroviário de Maputo men's team, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the sport.
Conceição's transition to sports leadership occurred in 2015, during President Filipe Nyusi's first term (2015-2020), when he was appointed National Director of Sports at the then Ministry of Youth and Sports (MJD), under the leadership of Alberto Nkutumula. In 2018, he became head of the National Sports Institute (INADE) and, with the government restructuring in 2020, he was appointed National Director of Performance Sports at the SED, already in Nyusi's second term.
Among his main responsibilities were fostering sports associations, supporting the participation of national delegations in international competitions, and organizing sporting events of national significance. Now, with his resignation, the leadership of performance sports in Mozambique faces a period of transition, awaiting a new appointment.
