Marques appointed new Birds coach
Premier Soccer League (PSL) club Moroka Swallows have appointed long-time assistant Zeca Marques as their new coach to replace Gordon Igesund, who has since taken over as the new Bafana Bafana boss.
Swallows said the appointment of Marques, who previously worked as assistant coach at BidVest Wits, was motivated by their desire to building on the solid foundation that was laid Igesund and his predecessor.
"Whilst Gordon without any doubt did a magnificent job , he is the first to admit that the turnaround at Swallows was the result of a massive team effort, particularly on the part of a group of highly talented, motivated and professional players," said Swallows in a statement.
According to the Dube Birds, the appointment followed a thorough consultation and the full support and backing of Igesund. The clubs said Marques will be supported by an expanded, skilled and motivated technical team "in order to give him every opportunity to succeed".
The assistant coaches are yet to be finalised, "but with the technical team currently in place as well as Zeca and the large core group of players, excellent continuity is assured". Players and staff were informed on the decision by Monday morning.
"Zeca is a highly qualified coach who holds a Uefa A licence, the KNVB certificate from Holland as well as numerous sports psychology, nutrition and human behavioural diplomas.
"He has also served at various times short internships with Bobby Robson at FC Porto, Ruin Bento at Boa Vista, Cilinho at Sao Paulo and at Braga in Portugal," said Swallows.
Marques has coached as a head coach and assistant coach at all levels of the game for 25 years. He has been the assistant coach at Swallows under Igesund for the past 18 months and previously also under Rainer Zobel and Julio Leal.
"We are fortunate to have somebody of Zeca’s calibre to take over the reins. We congratulate Coach Marques on his appointment to leadership of the Dube Birds, and wish him every success," the club said.
