Coach Ubirajara Veiga Da Silva was unveiled on Thursday afternoon by Ma Pau SC at Sweet Lime Restaurant, Arapita Avenue, Woodbrook following his arrival in Trinidad on Carnival Monday.
“It’s a challenge I’m pleased to accept,” said Da Silva through his translater and assistant coach Fabiano Agripino.
“I’ve worked in Uzbekistan before,” added the Brazilian with a smile.
The 54 year old Da Silva with past coaching profiles in Peru, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Korea, India and Brazil said that he is pleased with the talent at Ma Pau following a two-week camp in Sao Paulo, Brazil which included practice matches against Brazilian opponents.
During their visit the Pro League outfit rallied unbeaten in four outings with three wins and one draw against Avanhandava SP 3-1, Avanhandava SP 0-0, City of Sao Paulo representative team 2-1 and Birigui FC 7-2 and was rewarded a trophy by the Ministry Of Sport and Government of Sao Paulo which they showed off at Thursday’s press conference.
Last season Ma Pau finished ninth in the League, just ahead of bottom of the table Tobago United.
“That’s the past. We are looking to the future and we are going to reach the best,” said the new Ma Pau coach.
Da Silva will be familiarized with Trinidad and Tobago by his assistant coach Fabiano Agripino—a former Joe Public and W Connection player, one of the first Brazilians to play professionally in Trinidad and Tobago. He was revealed as assistant coach on Thursday.
Agripino played in Mexico before coming to Trinidad and ended his playing career with Austrian 2nd Division club Hellas Kagran FC.
“His coaching style is similar to that of La Forest with their attacking game,” said Ma Pau captain Akeno Morgan. “They are both good coaches, with different philosophies. Their structuring are a bit different but it’s the same attacking football.”
Morgan along with Tyrone Charles, Akeem Benjamin, Keeron Benitto, Sayid Freitas, Trevin Caesar, Adrian Noel, Sherron Joseph, Jayrome Smith, Rennie Britto and goalkeeper Shane Mattis were all part of the trip to Brazil earlier this year.
“It was a remarkable experience,” said vice captain Keeron Benitto. “We started off on a good note which says the best for the rest of the year.”
It is said that Benitto, Sherron Joseph and Rennie Britto attracted interests by one scout during their visit to Brazil. Da Silva will conduct further screening sessions over the next week before unveiling the Ma Pau roster for 2009.