Mozambique: Black Bulls hire new coach Santos

Black Bulls FC Appoint Nelson Santos as Head Coach in Rebuilding Drive

In a determined move to recapture their lost dominance, former Mozambique Premier League (Moçambola) champions Black Bulls FC have appointed highly-rated Portuguese tactician Nelson Santos as their new head coach.

The appointment comes after the club parted ways with compatriot Hélder Duarte, who was dismissed following an underwhelming 2025 Moçambola season that fell short of the club’s ambitious performance targets.

 

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A Coach with International Pedigree

At 42, Santos arrives in Maputo with a solid résumé and valuable international experience. He previously held coaching roles at Portuguese sides CF Belenenses and Marítimo, before expanding his career footprint across Africa with stints at Al Hilal Omdurman in Sudan and Nogoom FC in Egypt.

Importantly, Santos is no stranger to Mozambican football. The UEFA-licensed coach has already worked in the country, having previously taken charge of Ferroviário de Nampula, a familiarity that is expected to ease his transition and accelerate his impact at Black Bulls.

FC Porto Link Strengthens Global Vision

Santos’ appointment also aligns with Black Bulls’ ongoing collaboration with FC Porto through the Dragon Force project. As part of Porto’s growing international footprint, Dragon Force Black Bulls Mozambique is set to officially launch in February, further strengthening player development pathways and technical exchange between the two institutions.

This partnership underlines Black Bulls’ long-term vision of blending local talent with elite European football methodology.

Why Hélder Duarte Was Let Go

Hélder Duarte’s departure follows a season marked by missed objectives on multiple fronts. Black Bulls ended the 2025 Mozambique Premier League campaign without silverware and narrowly lost the Mozambique Cup final to UD Songo, falling 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time in Gaza Province.

The club also failed to defend their domestic league title, which was claimed by UD Songo, and exited the CAF Champions League in the second preliminary round after defeat to Nigeria’s Rivers United. Additionally, Black Bulls missed out on the Maputo City Opening Tournament, further compounding a disappointing campaign.

Duarte’s Legacy Still Respected

Despite the recent setbacks, Duarte leaves behind a noteworthy legacy. He first joined Black Bulls in 2018 through the Dragon Force partnership shortly after the club earned promotion to the top flight. Under his guidance, the club captured their first-ever Mozambique Premier League title in 2021.

Duarte returned for a second spell and successfully reclaimed the league crown in 2024, a year after winning the championship with Ferroviário da Beira — achievements that firmly cement his place in Mozambican football history.

Nelson Santos now steps into a high-pressure role, tasked with restoring his new club’s dominance both domestically and on the continental stage. With his blend of African experience, European coaching education, and prior knowledge of Mozambican football, the club’s hierarchy believes Santos has the tools needed to lead a successful rebuild.

New Era Begins

Nelson Santos now steps into a high-pressure role, tasked with restoring Black Bulls’ dominance both domestically and on the continental stage. With his blend of African experience, European coaching education, and prior knowledge of Mozambican football, the club’s hierarchy believes Santos has the tools needed to lead a successful rebuild.

All eyes will now be on how quickly the Portuguese mentor can reshape the squad, re-establish a winning mentality, and guide Black Bulls back to the summit of Mozambican football.

Nelson Santos now steps into a high-pressure role, tasked with restoring Black Bulls’ dominance both domestically and on the continental stage. With his blend of African experience, European coaching education, and prior knowledge of Mozambican football, the club’s hierarchy believes Santos has the tools needed to lead a successful rebuild.