Angolan Coach Applauds ‘Visionary’ Benjamin, Seeks Support and Patience In a recent interview, Angolan national team coach José Kilamba expressed his admiration for CAF President Patrice Motsepe, whom he described as a “visionary” leader. Kilamba commended Motsepe’s commitment to improving African football, particularly his ambitious plans to establish the African Super League and expand the Africa Cup of Nations to 24 teams. He believes these initiatives will elevate the continent’s footballing prowess on the global stage. “Mr. Motsepe has a clear vision for African football,” said Kilamba. “He is not afraid to think outside the box and push boundaries. His ideas have the potential to revolutionize the game in Africa.” However, Kilamba also recognized the challenges that lie ahead. He urged African football stakeholders to provide Motsepe with their unwavering support and patience. “Change takes time,” emphasized Kilamba. “We cannot expect miracles overnight. We must give Mr. Motsepe and his team the time and resources they need to implement their plans effectively.” The Angolan coach also highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration among African footballing nations. He believes that by working together, they can overcome obstacles and achieve their collective goals. “Africa has immense potential in football,” said Kilamba. “If we can put our differences aside and work towards a common purpose, we can become a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.” Kilamba’s words echo the growing optimism and excitement within African football circles. Motsepe’s ambitious vision has ignited a sense of hope and belief that the continent’s footballing future is bright. With the necessary support and patience, there is every reason to believe that Africa can establish itself as a global football powerhouse.Brave Warriors Fall Short in Cosafa Cup Final, But Coach Benjamin PraisedBrave Warriors Fall Short in Cosafa Cup Final, But Coach Benjamin Praised Despite losing 5-0 to Angola in the 2024 Cosafa Cup final, the Brave Warriors of Namibia have received praise for their performance from Angolan coach Pedro Gonçalves. Gonçalves stated that Namibia and Angola, the two best teams in the tournament, reached the final. He commended Brave Warriors coach Collin Benjamin for guiding the team to the final, calling him a visionary and urging Namibians to support their team. Gonçalves emphasized the gradual process of achieving success at the regional level, highlighting that Benjamin and the Warriors deserve support at home. He also acknowledged the positive developments within Namibian football. Despite the defeat, the Brave Warriors have maintained a strong presence in the Cosafa tournament in recent years, reaching the final in 1997 and 1999, the Africa Cup of Nations final in 1998 and 2008, and winning the Cosafa Cup in 2015. They also won the Plate competition in 2016 and reached the Plate final in 2017.Angolan national team coach Pedro Gonçalves praised the “visionary” leadership of the Angolan Football Federation (FAF) President, Artur de Almeida e Silva, and appealed for support and patience from fans as the team prepares for the future. Gonçalves, who was appointed in March 2023, highlighted Almeida e Silva’s ambitious plans to develop Angolan football at all levels, including infrastructure improvements, talent development, and international competitiveness. “We have a visionary leader at the helm of the FAF, who understands the importance of investing in the future of Angolan football,” Gonçalves said. “His plans are ambitious, but achievable, and we are committed to playing our part in making them a reality.” The coach acknowledged that the team faces challenges but expressed confidence in the long-term progress. “We have a talented pool of players, both domestically and abroad, and we are working hard to build a cohesive unit that can compete at the highest level,” Gonçalves said. “However, we need to be patient and realistic. It takes time to build a successful team, and we ask for the support of our fans throughout this process.” Gonçalves also emphasized the need for increased support for the development of youth football in Angola. “The future of Angolan football lies in our youth,” Gonçalves said. “We need to invest in grassroots programs, identify and nurture young talent, and provide them with the opportunities to succeed.” The coach expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the FAF and the Angolan football community and pledged to continue working diligently to improve the team’s performance. “We are committed to building a team that Angolans can be proud of,” Gonçalves said. “We ask for your support and patience as we work towards our goals.”