Francisco Bruto da Costa with Egypt national team coach Carlos Queiroz, Nelo Vingada and Arnaldo Carvalho
MARGAO
It is rare to find Indian coaches making a name for themselves these days in Indian football let alone abroad but Francisco Bruto da Costa is an exception.
From getting the best sportsman and footballer awards at school and college levels to graduating to be a professional football coach at a young age of 42, that is the story of Francisco Jose Bruto Da Costa who is the coach of Shaikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Dhaka.
Francisco too is an AFC pro-license holder.
The Goa-born coach worked as a technical assistant in the Egyptian Football Association (EFA). He is part of Nelo Vingada's staff who joined the Egyptian FA as a technical director in September 2021. The Indian coach had earlier worked as an assistant to Vingada at ISL sides NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters and also at the Malaysia national team.
In Egypt, Bruto da Costa has worked closely with all the age group national side as well as the senior team. He is also associated with the Egypt Women's national team. He accepted the offer from the Egyptian FA after completing his tenure as an assistant coach at Bangladesh Premier League side Sheikh Russel KC, a job which he took in 2019.
"My first session was with the senior national side but I am involved with national teams of all age groups. I have also been with the women's national team as well," explained Francisco Bruto da Costa
"I had a contract with Sheikh Russel in Bangladesh. Once the contract got over, I came back to India. After that, I went to Egypt and attended the first training session with the senior national team on September 28. I have come here as Nelo Vingada's staff," he added.
"I have been with Nelo since working with him at NorthEast United and after that wherever he goes, he asked me to come along. I am very grateful to Nelo for giving me this opportunity. Getting a chance to work with Nelo and Carlos Queiroz is a once in a lifetime opportunity," added Francisco Bruto de Costa.
From working with former Real Madrid and Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz to watching Mohamed Salah play from close quarters, the technical assistant was all praises for Salah's work ethic and humble nature despite being the superstar he is.
"I got a chance to work with Salah in my very first assignment. I was with Carlos Queiroz's staff during the international matches in October 2021. Salah was not present for the first match against Liberia but after that when all the other Egyptian players who play abroad joined, Salah came."
"When I met Salah for the first time, I was surprised. He is like any other player of the Egyptian national team. Very simple, very humble but very serious about his work. Nobody can make out that he is a superstar because of the way he conducts himself. He joined the team just after scoring that amazing goal against Man City. Just a great guy to work with," added Francisco.
Former Kerala Blasters coach Nelo Vingada too certified his close confidant's ability as a coach and why he decided to bring his Indian assistant to Egypt.
"Costa is a highly experienced coach with a wealth of knowledge in football. In recent years, Costa has turned his attention to coaching. He knows the league inside out and he has a proven record and will help the Bangladesh club to achieve their goals," said Nelo Vingada.
In addition to his experience and knowledge, Costa is also known for his winning mentality and he is always looking to improve. This winning mentality will be a big asset to Sheikh Jamal, as they look to challenge for silverware in the coming season.
“The tie is far from over,” Costa further pronounced.
“I am never pleased as a coach. I had told my boys to go, relax and enjoy the game. My intention is to finish in the top three in the Bangladesh Premier League," he concluded.
