Jose Marcelo Ferreira alias Ze Maria has been unveiled by Albanian side KF Tirana as their head coach a couple of days after resigning at Gor Mahia.
The former Brazilian international quit the Kenya Premier League side early this week.
Ze Maria who guided Gor Mahia to second in the KPL last season will be joined Marco Aurelio as assistant coach and Italian trainer Rafael Costa with whom they worked at K’Ogalo.
“I’m honoured to be here,” the Brazilian stated at his unveiling. “I thank President Halili for the opportunity. It’s a club with brilliant history,” added Ze Maria.
I’ve been part of big clubs in my career like Flamengo and lately I’ve run a great team in Kenya. I have no problem working under pressure. I have an experience in Italy and other countries. I do not think you have to have great experience, but you have to learn everything about football.
The side, former home to Ugandan striker Francis Olaki and Ugandan born Rwanda international Meddie Kagere was relegated after finishing 9th out of 10 last season and Ze Maria’s first task will be to earn the side promotion.
The primary objective of the club is to return to the Superiore (first tier) and another goal is to pass the first round in the Europa League. I did not come to be the best coach here. I have come here to achieve the goals of the club.
He left Gor Mahia top of the KPL log with 27 points after 13 rounds and won the 2017 FKF Super Cup earlier in March.