CAFUNDÉU - PREVIEW OF THE NEW SEASON
PART II OF II
SC LASFT: Marinho;
Mesquita (c),
Viera,
Kanis and
H.Mohammed;
Olsen, Gérson,
de León and
Bogota; Didi and
Dossena.
Coach: Sérgio Caipirinha.
President: Hermes de Vasconcelos Bung.
Team Full Name: Sport Club Lasft.
Team Style: balanced, likes to control the game’s pace.
Strongest Point: good midfield.
Weakest Point: the attacking duo.
Nickname: Golden Team.
Stadium Used: Estádio Padre Anchieta, in Lasft (cap. 70,000).
State: Lasft.
Team Sponsor: Imperial Lottery.
Home Kit: black shirt with details in gold and black shorts.
Away Kit: golden shirt and black shorts.
Other Facts: although the team now seems solid in the First Division, it is far from repeating the good performances of the past, when it was among the best teams of the entire league. When it appeared that the supporters were starting to get used to this new era of the team, the chairman invests heavily to try to put the team back into success, and now they have bigger ambitions. Repeating the qualification for the Globe Cup conquered in the last season would be enough for now, only one more step in the mission to return to be one of the best and fight for titles.
Transfer Market: the team let Ken Bedwell leave even after the player’s good performances last season, in order to use Mesquita at his best position. For the midfield, the arrivals are of Gérson and Martín de León, which produce a very offensive midfield which can have some problems on counterattacks. Didi substitutes Cassetti on the attack, and is a promising striker.
Fans’ Favourites: the two favourites of the supporters are the two best players of the squad: the full-back Mesquita and the Starblaydi Ariel Bogota, a member of the country’s National Team.
Good Bench Players: Gino (defender), Fernando Borges (midfielder), Kadu (attacker), Urbano (goalkeeper),
Lithsumé (midfielder).
The Fans Expect: top 8 position.
Fans’ style: passionate (big number) – usually associated with poorest people of the region, due to the rivalry with Petardos S/A. Curiously, the second richest person of the city supports SC Lasft.
Club Tradition: one of the football pioneers of the country – successful at domestic stage.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (***), Jorge Lang (****), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (***).
INTERNACIONAL DE PENDERIA: Felipe (c);
Young,
Vainarell, Duílio and
Gut; Orestes,
Bjornssund, Arturzinho and
Reyes;
Júnior Guerreiro and Cesinha.
Coach: Carlos Vergara.
President: Renato Saulo Meirelles, Count of Penderia.
Team Full Name: Sport Club Internacional de Penderia.
Team Style: offensive, uses long ranged passes.
Strongest Point: the goalkeeper.
Weakest Point: the midfield and attack.
Nickname: os Cavaleiros (the Knights).
Stadium Used: Campo do Forte Meirelles, Penderia (cap. 50,000).
State: Old Cities.
Team Sponsor: Cascete Vigilância.
Home Kit: red shirt with white stripes and red shorts.
Away Kit: white shirt and white shorts.
Other Facts: this one is a traditional team, in fact, but got lost in time. The return of it to the First Division was much commemorated, and after many seasons in the top level the team now seems pretty used to the league, and unlikely to have a bad campaign. Unfortunately for them, at the same time that the danger of getting relegated decreases, the possibility of doing more than just staying at the Primeirona decreases as much.
Transfer Market: many players left Internacional, and the team had to replace practically its entire midfield and attack, and did the best way they could. Júnior Guerreiro is a talented striker, Reyes is experienced, and Orestes is a bet.
Fans’ Favourite: their favourite player is the goalkeeper Felipe, who got promoted alongside with the team to the Primeirona. And, as he is the only one that has stayed in the squad for a longer time, he is their absolute idol.
Good Bench Players: Jaimesinho (defender), Deco (attacker), Pateta (defender), Mocce (midfielder), Fininho (midfielder).
The Fans Expect: intermediate position.
Fans’ style: extremely fanatic, slightly violent (average number) – the revival of the team revived the violent percentage of the Internacional fan base, which now dominates the team’s fan groups. Their supporters simply can’t stop talking about football, they talk about it on work, with the family, with their wives/husbands, with the dog, to themselves...
Club Tradition: very traditional – established to 1st Division.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (***), Jorge Lang (**), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (**).
ATLÉTICO INSULAR: Tom (c); Solano,
Ali, Brutamontes and
Perrin; Fagundes,
Brekke,
Alarcón and Mário Moura; Nei Luz and Alexandre.
Coach: Sérgio Alerto Nóbrega.
President: Durval Sassarech.
Team Full Name: Clube Atlético Insular.
Team Style: defensive, using counterattacks a lot.
Strongest Point: the attack, very weakened.
Weakest Point: the midfield in general.
Nickname: Eremitas.
Stadium Used: Cúpula Tropical, in Ilha Eremita (cap. 45,000).
State: Coast.
Team Sponsor: Agora Saúde.
Home Kit: light blue shirt with yellow stripes and light blue shorts.
Away Kit: white shirt and light blue shorts.
Other Facts: ah, so Atlético Insular got back to the first division last season, and managed to avoid relegation... but the battle seems to never end, as at each passing season the team gets weaker and weaker, losing some important players and being unable to get top reinforcements. Luckily for them, their midfield duo is still with Atlético, and they have the responsibility to save the entire club once again.
Transfer Market: a list of losses: Nestor, Matador and Aavik are the major ones, leaving the team seriously weakened. Solano substitutes well Nestor, but the same can’t be said of the other replacements: Fagundes was Matador’s substitute last season and Nei Dias comes from a Terceirona club, after being the top goalscorer there... but this time the opposition will be much more competent.
Fans’ Favourites: none of the players have really a strong link with the club, but the fans admire a lot the goalkeeper Tom, captain of the team, and the midfield duo composed by Sorley Brekke and Peyo Alarcón.
Good Bench Players: Ronaldo (goalkeeper), Morais (attacker), Eldeir (midfielder), Garcia (defender), João Gustavo (midfielder).
The Fans Expect: escape relegation without problems.
Fans’ style: calm (small number) – used to the life away from the big city, they like to bring their animals to the stadium. Unfortunately for them, they also have to pay tickets to enter too.
Club Tradition: traditional team – used to 1st Division.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (**), Jorge Lang (*), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (*).
CLUBE COMERCIAL: Cleston;
Villalobos, André Coutinho,
Bjorn and
Khan; Bino (c), Castelo,
Vazquez,
Nash and
Da Costa;
McAllister.
Coach: Eddie Barnes.
President: Director Santa Claus.
Team Full Name: Clube do Comércio Cafundelense - CCC.
Team Style: offensive, likes to play long balls and shots.
Strongest Point: the entire midfield, truly a top one.
Weakest Point: the defence.
Nickname: Mercenários.
Stadium Used: Olímpico Imperial, in Lux (cap. 80,000).
State: Central.
Team Sponsor: AUGECC – a Cafundelense group of companies.
Home Kit: black shirt and white shorts.
Away Kit: white shirt and black shorts.
Other Facts: Clube Comercial has firmly put its name as a top 8 squad, after two consecutive excellent seasons, giving to the fans much more than what they had expected. The basic mission is to repeat the feat of the previous seasons, with a top 8 position and if possible a place in the Globe Cup... of course, a TQCC would be better, but seen as an out of reach mission right now... but maybe only right now. Season after season, Clube Comercial manages to sign more players to address some needs of the squad, and this happened once again this time, making the team stronger.
Transfer Market: Clube Comercial is the proof that money can really improve a team. Chago Villalobos assumes a position as a full-back, while Rasmus Bjorn comes to reinforce the defence even more. Nothing changes in the midfield, while now the team will use only one attacker, with Ryan McAllister being the one. Whenever needed, first choice substitute Dean Bowyer can come to help, and he usually does well when called.
Fans’ Favourites: midfielder Bino is currently the favourite of the fans, but other players that recently arrived on the squad are also getting some attention, especially Bino’s midfield partners Castelo, Da Costa, Jesus Vazquez and Tegan Nash.
Good Bench Players: Jim Hill (defender), Barroso (defender),
Idlam (midfielder), Castanhal (midfielder),
Bowyer (attacker).
The Fans Expect: top 8 position.
Fans’ style: demanding (low number) – rich businesspeople from all around Cafundéu who invest in the team and demand results. Some are a bit eccentric, doing things like throwing money to the real fans of Clube Comercial – which are very few – but they mostly are sane people.
Club Tradition: somewhat traditional team – used to 1st Division environment.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (***), Jorge Lang (***), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (****).
GALÁXIA: Getúlio; Dinei, Tarso and Wanderson (c); Caipira, Dorival,
Sulkiewicz and
Arturo;
Cassetti, Granek and
Romergleydson.
Coach: Nelson Yaschter.
President: Claudecir do Prado.
Team Full Name: Academia de Futebol Galáxia.
Team Style: balanced, likes to explore individual plays.
Strongest Point: the offensive midfield.
Weakest Point: the defence in general.
Nickname: Academia Estelar.
Stadium Used: Gigantão, Santo Galvão (cap. 80,000).
State: Titã.
Team Sponsor: Fordeare Mobile Phones.
Home Kit: black shirt with narrow light blue vertical stripes and black shorts.
Away Kit: light blue shirt and black shorts.
Other Facts: alright, so Galáxia managed to escape relegation last time! Quite a feat, as it had one of the worst squads of the division. This time, the situation is the same. The team is simply not at the same level of some others in the Primeirona, but may have enough talent to surpass four clubs in the tables. So, once again the challenge of Galáxia will be to keep themselves at the top division of the CCFM league.
Transfer Market: some players left, especially the playmaker Vervánt, but this time Galáxia signed a good amount of players: Dinei, Cassetti, Dorival, Arturo, Tarso... all new members of the squad, and this gives the team some depth.
Fans’ Favourites: from the current team, the goalkeeper Getúlio is much praised for his good performances, and the fact that he started his career at the club makes him the biggest idol of the current squad.
Good Bench Players: Richards (defender), Clodoaldo (defender), Wandinelson Braga (midfielder), Jorginho (midfielder), Luizão (attacker).
The Fans Expect: escape relegation.
Fans’ style: cold (low number) – the team doesn’t have many loyal followers, although many people think Galáxia is a nice team... on the level of “ow, how cute this team is, but I do not support them!”
Club Tradition: recent team – formerly consolidated 1st Division club.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (*), Jorge Lang (**), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (*).
ELDORADO: Brucutu;
Paraíba (c), Rabicó,
Sang Han-Chang and
Mérida;
Turco,
Mitsubara,
Betinho and Jesus; Fabiano Carvalho and
Hexa.
Coach: Connor Mengucci.
President: Valdir McLaren.
Team Full Name: Associação Esportiva Eldorado.
Team Style: slightly offensive, enjoys long passes and counterattacks.
Strongest Point: the midfield has a lot of talent.
Weakest Point: the attack.
Nickname: Conquistadores.
Stadium Used: Memorial, in Eldorado (cap. 40,000).
State: Juta.
Team Sponsor: Churrascarias Brasa Mora.
Home Kit: yellow shirt with details in green and green shorts.
Away Kit: pale green shirt and white shorts.
Other Facts: this is an interesting team, which last season surprised the whole CCFM league by reaching the top 8 just after getting promoted. It is located in an almost nice city and has an almost good stadium, with an almost top infrastructure designed by an almost competent engineer. This time, reaching the top 8 will not be a huge surprise, as the team has a strong squad, but won’t be the main mission... but of course everyone related to the club is wanting that to happen very much, and may well be disappointed if Eldorado finishes just in an intermediate position.
Transfer Market: it may look like the team didn’t hire players where it most needed: the attack. But this is because there’s a huge hope on the youngster Danilinho. For the midfield, Betinho comes from Clube Comercial on loan, with the status of a star. The defence was the most reinforced sector, with the arrivals of Sang Han-Chang and Saul Mérida, which were very praised by the coach Mengucci.
Fans’ Favourites: the captain of the team and young player Paraíba is the idol of the team’s supporters... in second, comes the defensive midfielder Turco, who is very committed and determinate on the pitch.
Good Bench Players: Klebinho (midfielder), Danilinho (attacker), Odvan Guará (attacker), Alvinho (defender), Leandro Gordo (defender).
The Fans Expect: intermediate position.
Fans’ style: passionate (low number) – due to the fact that Eldorado isn’t so far from Cafundó do Juta, most of its population ends supporting one of the capital teams. But the ones who stay loyal to Eldorado end being extremely fanatic, with tattoos on their bodies and calling their sons or livestock with names of famous players.
Club Tradition: slightly traditional team – newcomer to 1st Division environment.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (***), Jorge Lang (***), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (**).
RIO BONITO: Ojeda;
O’Connell,
Jeong Yakyong and
Pak Hwan-Jae; Paulo Fabbri,
Pak Jongguk,
Fert,
Ní Cheallaigh and Kelvin (c);
Cortijo and Rosário.
Coach: Manuel Padaria.
President: Barnabé Casanova.
Team Full Name: Grêmio Esportivo Rio Bonito.
Team Style: mixed, explores a lot the counterattacks.
Strongest Point: the attack.
Weakest Point: the wings with full-backs and offensive midfielders.
Nickname: Caipiras do Gelo.
Stadium Used: Arena Samseong-Barnabé, Rio Bonito (cap. 50,000).
State: Dunboor.
Team Sponsor: Samseong Electronics.
Home Kit: maroon shirt with black hoops and black shorts.
Away Kit: light orange shirt and white shorts.
Other Facts: it’s been some time since the last time Rio Bonito was at the Primeirona. After their relegation, the home country of their investors had major problems, and cut the funding, causing them to have difficulties in returning to the top. These problems have ended, and Samseong invested really hard, making the team the best of the Segundona by a huge margin, and winning the competition without major difficulties. But now the challenge is entirely new: to stay and do well at the Primeirona, a competition in which the hopes cannot be set as high.
Transfer Market: the team, thanks to the structure of Samseong, managed to keep its main players, even Cortijo and Paulo Fabbri who were being wanted by other clubs. This is already a good thing. Oh wait, forget that... tons of extra transfers strengthened the squad...
Fans’ Favourite: the fans enjoy a lot the football of Paulo Fabbri, and the captain Kelvin too, though he isn’t a good player in all honesty. Due to the influence of the president, his son Barnabézinho also is well liked.
Good Bench Players: Barnabézinho (defender), Renan Muniz (defender), Leandrinho (attacker), Carlos Garcia (midfielder), Georges (midfielder).
The Fans Expect: intermediate position.
Fans’ style: calm (low number) – limited to the city of Rio Bonito, they are mostly friends or employees of the farmers who dominate the politics at that region, giving the fanbase a “country” style. Orientals also tend to like the club.
Club Tradition: recent team – trying to establish at 1st Division.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (**), Jorge Lang (**), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (**).
BANDEIRANTES: Otávio Gumes; Aladim,
Dukelsky, Serrote and
Gordillo;
Edu Miranda, Cachaça, Catimba (c) and Xingu;
Ospina and Gil Bravo.
Coach: Sérgio Adoniran.
President: Miro Preio Gonçalves.
Team Full Name: Associação Esportiva Bandeirantes.
Team Style: defensive, likes to control the possession and pass short.
Strongest Point: the midfield.
Weakest Point: the central defence.
Nickname: Conquistadores.
Stadium Used: Terrenão Baldio, Ararinha (cap. 30,000).
State: Lasft.
Team Sponsor: Catinga Deodorant.
Home Kit: green shirt with red stripes and white shorts.
Away Kit: white shirt and green shorts.
Other Facts: Bandeirantes is another of those Cafundelense clubs which can manage to come from the bottom divisions to the Primeirona, thanks to some good youngsters and the right investment at the right moment. They easily got their promoted from the Segundona, and most of their fans hope that the team has enough talent to not get relegated. Basically, this will be their mission. The team can be considered the one that has the highest number of really promising young players right now, with names like Aladim, Edu Miranda, Catimba, Xingu and Gil Bravo... but this alone won’t make the squad successful.
Transfer Market: in order to give some experience to the club, they brought the attacker Ospina and the defender Gordillo. Edu Miranda, probably their best player, came from another Segundona club and impressed. A lot. Really a lot.
Fans’ Favourites: the favourite is certainly the team captain Catimba, who is popular for engaging in fights for absolutely no reason, especially when the team is losing. Aladim comes right after.
Good Bench Players: Hernani (midfielder), Jujuba (attacker), Lopes (attacker), Mechinha (defender), Marquinhos Alemão (defender).
The Fans Expect: escape relegation.
Fans’ style: fanatic (small number) – extremely rude, the supporters of Bandeirantes are famous for their lack of hygiene in general... expect stadiums completely dirty after a game involving the club, and some public displays of bad taste.
Club Tradition: slightly traditional – newcomer to the 1st Division.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (**), Jorge Lang (**), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (*).
KHALMAR-TIJHUS: Usher;
Bedwell (c), Rosas, Pedrosa and
Zumbi; Benê,
Kiko, Régis and Chiquinho; Zapata and Piau.
Coach: Adílson Araújo.
President: Nílson Isidoro Fanfarra.
Team Full Name: Clube de Futebol Lorde Khalmar de Tijhus.
Team Style: very defensive, hardly takes risks.
Strongest Point: the entire defence.
Weakest Point: the midfield.
Nickname: Tricolor.
Stadium Used: Jóia da Lagoa, in Tijhus (cap. 45,000).
State: Juta.
Team Sponsor: Farah Construtora.
Home Kit: orange shirt with grey stripes and black shorts.
Away Kit: grey shirt and red shorts.
Other Facts: Khalmar-Tijhus once was seen as a promising club, one that could reach the TQCC and do well. Suddenly the investment decreased, the best players left and relegation came. Without the good performances to return to the Primeirona right after falling, the club spent several seasons in the hope of repeating the old times. Finally they got promoted. But now the team is just a shadow of its former self, and must battle only to not return to the Second Division again. A sad situation for a club that once had so big ambitions and hopes, and had some very good players.
Transfer Market: in order to escape relegation, Khalmar-Tijhus made some good signings. Kiko comes for the midfield, Usher to be the goalkeeper and Bedwell to be the team star, leader and captain... and maybe hero.
Fans’ Favourites: used to be Régis, a player very linked to the club. But with the arrival of Bedwell, the new player is likely to take this position and be the idol of the club, in need of one.
Good Bench Players: Branquinho (midfielder), Leôncio (defender), Chaves (midfielder), Artur Motta (midfielder), Saci (attacker).
The Fans Expect: to escape relegation.
Fans’ style: passionate (small number) – a small local group of supporters, Khalmar-Tijhus usually has the minority of fans even when playing at home (of course, when playing opponents with big number of supporters).
Club Tradition: traditional club – formerly established in 1st Division.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (*), Jorge Lang (*), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (**).
VARZEANO: Brasília; Dézinho,
Edson Santos, Barbiéri and Romano;
Gílson (c), Zé Eduardo, Luiz Carlos and
Robson; Xavier and Dão.
Coach: Tales.
President: Adil Nassaf Gusmão.
Team Full Name: Aglomeração de Gente na Várzea.
Team Style: offensive, plays without much organization.
Strongest Point: the midfield.
Weakest Point: the attackers.
Nickname: Peladeiros.
Stadium Used: Campo de Várzea, Balneário Pequi (cap. 30,000).
State: Lasft.
Team Sponsor: Bico General Services.
Home Kit: white shirt and white shorts.
Away Kit: red shirt and red shorts.
Other Facts: this is surely one of the less rated clubs to make the Primeirona. Playing without a strict tactical organization, Varzeano defeated far more prepared clubs with their weird and unpredictable style and got the promotion. The coach will try to repeat the formula in order to keep the team in the top division, by letting they play as they want. This simply cannot be a professional club, their players do not even have contracts!
Transfer Market: with the promotion to the Primeirona, the team president asked some people at the neighbourhood if they wanted to be part of the squad. Some people accepted the offer, so Varzeano is reinforced.
Fans’ Favourite: currently it is the coach Tales, as he managed to do something that no one thought to be possible. As for the players, most are relatives of the fans, so they surely must love them.
Good Bench Players: Tadeu (attacker), Fernandão (defender), Azul (defender), Muriel (attacker), Pretinho (midfielder).
The Fans Expect: escape relegation.
Fans’ style: passionate (low number) – there is a small number of real supporters of Varzeano, usually relatives of the players and the members of the board of directors. But whenever the team goes, they always win some new supporters, due to their humble ways.
Club Tradition: weak tradition – newcomer to 1st Division.
Experts’ Ratings: Sílvio Ruiz (*), Jorge Lang (*), Carlos Alberto Gujabre (*).
FAVOURITES: survey’s results:
26% - Petardos S/A
20% - Atlético Jutense
18% - Cafundó do Juta
12,5% - Dunboor FC
7% - América and Ranca Toco
5% - Porto Lacruz
2,5% - Clube Comercial
1% - SC Lasft and A.F.F. WORST TEAM: 70% - Varzeano
13% - Khalmar-Tijhus
10% - Galáxia
3% - Bandeirantes
2% - Atlético Insular and Rio Bonito SECOND DIVISION (participating teams) - São José, Santa Cruz do Norte, Cruzeiro do Sul, Serrano, CR Submiria, União Trabalhadora, Metropolitano, Clube dos Banqueiros, São Jorge, EC Elville, SC Carnavalesco, Palestra, Aliança, Tênis Clube, Sambarilove, Engenheiro Peres, Atlético Central, Grêmio Lux, Coríntios Jutense, Penders.
Favourites: São José, Cruzeiro do Sul, Serrano, União Trabalhadora, São Jorge.
THIRD DIVISION (participating teams) - Nacional Cruz, Real Jaçanã, Nova Éden, Tabajara, Agreman FH, SC Haja Coração, Esportivo Jutense, Pernetas EC, São Longuinho, Mocidade, Ferroviário, Desportiva, Carandirú, Espinalense, Vitória de Espinal, Coqueiros, Santo Expedito, Dínamo, Pico da Neblina, Tio João.
Favourites: Real Jaçanã, Nova Éden, Tabajara, SC Haja Coração, São Longuinho.
FOURTH DIVISION (participating teams) - Vila Velha, Independência, Petrol, Imperatriz, Associação Imobiliária, Miragaia FC, Estrela da Manhã, Faculdade de Medicina, Amigos do Pebolim, Aldeia Vigiah, Império, Mondragon Warriors, Peladeiros, Acadêmicos, Supersônicos, Real Ouro Branco, Templo Maior, Boiadeiros, Teatro Seta, Beira-Mar.
Favourites: Vila Velha, Império, Acadêmicos, Templo Maior, Beira-Mar.
FIFTH DIVISION (participating teams) - Sport Clube, Massaranduba FC, Tropicália, Clube do Conde, Royal Pollvogarad, Moto Clube, Dunbooritano, Legião de Srieth, Zeca Futebol, Universitário, Montes Negros, União, Guaraense, Forças Armadas, Novo Milênio, Arranhacéu, Grande Cassino, EC Melhorais, Alfândega, Praias Belas.
Favourites: Sport Clube, Legião de Srieth, Universitário, Novo Milênio, Grande Cassino.
TQCC/GC/SBCC teams and/or venues to be decided on the Jowenguard Crown, to come soon.