READY TO FLY
Cancão de Fogo kept coach João Carlos and reinforced last year’s base
Published on January 7, 2025 at 02:00
Juazeirense aims to be in the top four of Baianão to go to the semifinals Credit: Disclosure/Juazeirense
One of the most traditional clubs in Bahian football, Juazeirense wants to live up to its nickname Cancão to fly high in the Bahia Championship. In 2025, the team from Vale do São Francisco will go to its 14th consecutive edition of the state championship. Quite an achievement for a club that is still looking for its first title in the elite.
Last year, Juá hit the post and finished the first phase in 5th place, with the same 14 points as Jequié, but was left out of the quarterfinals due to goal difference. Therefore, the mission now is to start well in the tournament to be among the top four.
By the way, the debut in Baiano will be against Jequié, next Sunday, at 6:30 pm, at the Waldomiro Borges stadium, in Jequié. Looking for a different season, Juazeirense will arrive at the duel with more experience than their rival, as they debuted in the season last Saturday by beating Fluminense-PI, on penalties, in the first phase of the pre-Cup of the Northeast.
Tomorrow, the challenge will be against ASA, at 4pm, again at the Adauto Moraes stadium. If they win, Cancão guarantees a place in the Nordestão group stage. In case of a draw, they will have to fight on penalties to advance.
To do well, the club focuses on maintaining the work. Hired last season, coach João Carlos had his contract renewed and was kept in technical command.
Furthermore, the squad includes old acquaintances, such as midfielder Clebson, aged 39, and midfielder Waguinho, aged 40. From the team that competed in Baiano, the Copa do Nordeste and Série D last year, at least 11 athletes had their contracts renewed.
“The expectations are very good. We are competing in the pre-Cup of the Northeast, we have a game on the 8th, we had another on the 4th, so the team has been increasing its pace of play, but at the same time increasing wear and tear, as they are consecutive games. We are concerned about having four games in 13 days, but also the desire to start the competition. From what we can see this year, the Campeonato Baiano has a lot of balance, with many teams wanting to invest to build good teams. We hope to play a great role and start well against Jequié”, said coach João Carlos.
Among the athletes to keep an eye on in Cancão is striker Fechale Tchagnao, 21 years old. Born in Togo, the African is in his second year at the club. Owner of the number 9 shirt, he was a starter in the team’s debut of the season.
“We have to be prepared for everything, we worked hard in the pre-season so that we could now arrive in good conditions to compete in both competitions and try our best. Our goals are big and we hope to have a good competition to bring joy to the people of Juazeiro”, concluded the coach.
