In the press conference following the victory that secured Ferroviário de Maputo a place in the Mozambique Cup final, Mister Caló, coach of the capital's "locomotives," was categorical in stating that his team was not obligated to win the game. However, when addressing the upcoming match against União Desportiva do Songo (UDS), he emphasized that finals are not meant to be contested, but rather won.
This journey to the final raises reflections on the team's initial purpose in the competition. Did Ferroviário de Maputo consider it realistic to go this far? Be that as it may, the fact is that now, in the final, Caló's goal is clear: to take home the trophy.
Since taking over at Ferroviário de Maputo, Caló has demonstrated the value of betting on national coaches. The coach arrived at the "locomotives" at a critical moment, filling the vacancy left by the dismissal of Sérgio Bóris, the Portuguese coach who failed to meet the club's expectations. Under Bóris's command, Ferroviário de Maputo had a disastrous start to the season, even finding themselves at the bottom of the 2024 Moçambola standings.
Caló's arrival transformed the team. He not only managed to lift Ferroviário out of the relegation zone, but also led the recovery to reach 4th place in the national championship. Now, he writes another successful chapter by leading the "locomotives" to the final of the Mozambique Cup, reaffirming the ability of national coaches to deliver solid results when given the opportunity.
Reaching the final is more than just a milestone in Caló's career; it's a reminder of the potential that many Mozambican clubs ignore by prioritizing international coaches. Ferroviário de Maputo now has the chance to end the season with a title, and, under Caló's leadership, fans can dream of winning the Mozambique Cup.
The final showdown against UDS promises to be a spectacle, and Mister Caló's words already set the tone: this is a match to be won.
