The whereabouts of the Taifa Stars physical trainer, Brazilian Marcelo Guereirro, who left the country two months ago to attend family matters, remains unclear.
A report posted in The Daily News quotes the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) General Secretary Fredrick Mwakalebela, who confirmed that Guerreiro was granted a two month leave that elapsed last Sunday.
The trainer was expected to come back along with Taifa Stars coach and fellow Brazilian Marcio Maximo, who also went to Brazil on a two weeks leave. Maximo returned to the country early last week.
Apparently, Maximo is uncertain whether Guerreiro will return to take up his job that he briefly served before he went on leave.
“I never met him [Guerreiro] when I was in Brazil, neither did I have any communication with him, but I see little hope for him to come back,” said Maximo.
When asked for comments, Director of Sports in Ministry of Information, Sports and Culture Leonard Thadeo refused to reveal any details, though he admitted that the government has got all the information regarding the coach’s whereabouts. He referred the matter to the TFF.
Mwakalebela though told the paper that he has always been in contact with Guerreiro.
“There is no cause for alarm about the coach’s future. He is still with us, if anything else happens we will let the public know,” he said.
“The last time I contacted him, he said he was still tending to family problems and promised to return."
Guerreiro signed a two-year contract in May to assist head coach Maximo. He took over from fellow Brazilian Itamar Amorin, whose contract expired. Amorin is currently the head coach of the top flight Tanzanian side Azam FC.
Before joining Tanzania, Guerreiro also worked as a physical trainer with Flamengo, Americano, Bontucesso, Botafogo and Brazilian National team in 2003. He also worked in Germany, Portugal and Spain.
James Momanyi, Goal.com
