Mambas talking to former coach

Mozambique have opened up negotiations with former coach Chiquinho Conde over a new contract, just days after highlighting that his term with national team had come to an end.

Former international striker Conde, who played for Mozambique at two Cup of Nations and coached them at the last two, was not offered a contract renewal at the end January, when his deal expired, despite taking the Mambas to the knockout stage of the Cup of Nations for the first time in Morocco.

The Mambas had never previously won a game at the finals but beat Gabon to finish as one of the best third placed finishers at the 2025 finals, before Nigeria thumped them 4-0 in the round of 16.

The apparent casting away of Conde did not sit well with the Mozambican government who expressed their concern and since then the Mozambican Football Federation (FMF) officially announced the start of negotiations with Chiquinho Conde for his continued role as national coach.

A press release stated that there is interest from both sides to continue their working relationship, refuting any pressure to sign a contract with the Mozambican coach.

“The Mozambican Football Federation (FMF) hereby informs its governing bodies, the media, and the general public that it has initiated the formal negotiation process with Mr Francisco Querol Conde Júnior (Chiquinho Conde) regarding his continued tenure as national team coach,” said a statement.

“Both parties share an interest in continuing the work developed for the national team. However, in light of the information circulating in some media outlets and social networks, the FMF categorically distances itself from any allegation of 'pressure' for the signing of the aforementioned contract. The Federation reaffirms that the process is taking place under complete autonomy and institutional rigor,” it added.

Chiquinho Conde was in charge from October 2021 and renewed his contract in August 2024. He took Mozambique to two successive Cup of Nations finals in the Ivory Coast and Morocco.