Olhanense, cheered on by expat fans, push for promotion

In the Portuguese Division 2, leaders SC Olhanense had a comfortable win over local Algarve rivals Portimonense last Sunday.

The large crowd of 5,434 was in festive mood in front of the Sport TV cameras and they were treated to an emphatic 4-0 victory when their local heroes from Olhão cemented their place at the top of the table with a hat-trick from centre-forward Djalmir and a fourth goal from substitute João Paulo.

Some twenty British ex-pats are regular fans and the number is growing as the group promotes the club throughout the central and eastern Algarve. The family orientated and friendly club are striving to join the giants of FC Porto, Benfica and Sporting in Liga Sagres. The club’s marketing department have met with the group to create a partnership that hopes to recruit more British and Irish members to savour the unique atmosphere of the José Arcanjo Stadium. Posters in English now appear in cafes, bars and hotels from Faro to Vila Real Santo António whilst the club’s new monthly magazine contains two pages of copy in English. The group also produce a match day programme to keep themselves abreast of team news and details of away trips.

Members of the group have already travelled to Benfica and Boavista with their new Portuguese friends. Club President Isidoro Sousa said last week “It is very pleasing, they have been tireless in their support and are much in love with Olhanense. We hope they keep supporting us and bring more Britons to Olhão. I am very optimistic.”

When Olhanense, the only 2nd Division club to reach the quarter-finals of the Carlsberg League Cup, were drawn away to Benfica in January, there was tremendous excitement. With 1,800 fans from the Algarve, waving their commemorative scarves, they certainly made an impressive sight in the Stadium of Light.

Despite losing the game 4-1, Olhanense were the equal of Benfica during the first half and even had the audacity to take the lead.

Following that defeat in Lisbon in January, the team lost ground with three successive league defeats but recent form including outstanding wins away at Boavista 4-1 and the 4-0 win against Portimonense have confirmed Olhanense as promotion favourites. The top two teams are promoted and with eight games to play they are a point ahead of Santa Clara (Azores) and seven points clear of 3rd placed team Leiria. Portimonense remain 13th.Tickets can be purchased at the ground on match days and if you enjoy the experience why not become a member. Allocated seating in the main stand, own refreshment area, priority booking for major games and a match day programme in English.

For further information contact: Chris Wright on 916504 903, christopher.wright@hotmail.co.uk or Brian Evans on 913 595 868, brian@moonlightservices.eu