The Ethiopia Football Federation (EFF) has chosen Portuguese national Mariano Barreto as the new coach of the national team. He replaces Sewnet Bishaw who was relieved of his duties in February this year after the Walyas’ disappointing campaign in the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The 57-year-old brings with him some knowledge and experience of African football having been in charge of Ghana in 2003. He has also coached in his native Portugal and in Russia.
According to EFF among the new coach’s set goals is qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Ethiopia is of 21 nations who have gone straight into the group stages of the Nations Cup qualifiers whose draw will be conducted at Confederation of African Football Headquarters in Cairo on Sunday 27th April.
Barreto was quoted on BBC Sport website saying his success would “depend on the level of my work. I know Ethiopian players have natural talent but most of the national team players are above the age of 26 and more so we have to look for the young boys if we want to qualify for tournaments, so we’ll work to improve and change this situation. In all the countries I have worked I have produced top players, so I hope when I leave Ethiopia I’ll see a top player on TV and he says I helped.” Said Barreto.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
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