Ex Liverpool player Abel Xavier appointed Mozambique Coach

Former Liverpool and Everton defender Abel Xavier has been
appointed head coach of Mozambique.

The 43-year-old, who is the only player to feature in a
Merseyside derby for both teams during the same season,
has signed a two-year deal to manage the African nation
and begins his role on February 1.

Mozambique, who are 109th in the latest Fifa world
rankings, are Xavier's fourth managerial role after most
recently being sacked after less than two months with
Portuguese outfit Aves.

"I have followed the Mozambican team for years," Xavier,
who made 20 appearances for Portugual but was born in the
African nation, told reporters. "I am very proud to come back
to my country."

Xavier served an 18-month suspension for doping in 2005
when he was playing for Middlesbrough, and since ending
his playing days in 2008 he has endured a topsy-turvy
coaching career.

His first job came at Portuguese top-division side
Olhanense, where he lasted just three months, before
spending a five-month stint at Farense in Portugal's second
division.

Last July he was handed a one-year contract with Aves -
also in Portugal's second division - where he was coach
until September.

Alberto Simango Junior, president of the Mozambican
Football Federation said he hoped Xavier could bring "good
results", adding the appointment showed the ambition of the
national governing body.