Jacuipense seeks to regain its leading role in Baianão after a disappointing campaign in 2024

The year 2025 will be atypical for Jacuipense. In its 17th participation in the state elite, Leão do Sisal will not compete in a national competition for the first time since 2017. After a disappointing campaign in the 2024 Baianão, the club hopes to regain its leading role on the local scene. The first step is the duel against Bahia this Sunday, at 4pm, at the Antônio Carneiro Stadium, in Alagoinhas.

Runner-up in the 2022 and 2023 editions, the team was unable to repeat last year’s performance. With three wins and six defeats in nine games, Jacupa was in eighth place, one position above the relegation zone. The team also competed in the Copa do Brasil, being eliminated by Água Santa (SP) in the first phase and Series D of the Brazilian Championship, reaching the second phase and losing to Iguatu (CE) in two games.

“We didn’t have a good campaign in 2024 and we want to be in the top four again. We started forming the squad earlier this year, looking for players with the characteristics the coach needed. I believe we will have a different competition than the one we did in 2024, with the objective of always playing to win and trying to reach the title”, said the club’s football manager, Miguel Gomez.

For this season, Jacuipense has the return of an old acquaintance: coach Rodrigo Chagas, who led the team to the 2022 runner-up and took over after the departure of Jonilson Veloso, fired after the fall in Série D. Rodrigo preaches caution when asked about the team’s objective in the championship.

“Our first goal is to secure the calendar for next year. With the results coming, we’re going to fight for the title and, if possible, become champion. We know it is difficult, because it is a short, fast championship that does not allow for mistakes, but we have been working with the athletes, especially on the mental side, so that we can remain strong in the competition”, he declared.

Preparation for the championship was carried out in Simões Filho, with training carried out at the Sesi Training Center and the Municipal Stadium. During the period, Jacupa played three friendlies: a 1-1 draw against Vitória’s under-20 team, another goalless draw with Atlético de Alagoinhas and a 5-0 victory against Ação Perfomance.

“We had little time to work the way we wanted, but we managed to train the ideas we thought of for the matches. The last friendly match really pleased me, as we had a great volume of play, a very good job of transition and compaction in all sectors of the field”, said the coach.

For this season, Jacuipense signed 10 players to the squad. Among the highlights are midfielder Guilherme Rend, who played for Vitória, and striker Caíque, formerly of Bahia. One of the remaining players is left-back Alex Cazumba, who played for Bahia de Feira. Three other reinforcements should be announced before the state debut.

“The athletes who are here have a good technical level and whoever is coming will add and improve the quality of the group even further. The more players we have with the potential to qualify and strengthen the team, the better”, stated Rodrigo.

This year, Leão do Sisal has an important absence. Under renovation since April, the Eliel Martins Stadium has not yet been released to host games. Therefore, the team must play its matches outside Riachão do Jacuípe. Sunday’s game was scheduled to be held at Joia da Princesa, in Feira de Santana, but was transferred to Alagoinhas, after the Feira stadium had problems with the pitch and lighting.

“Obviously, I would like us to play in Riachão do Jacuípe, because when we have the fans on our side and we are on our field, the energy is different. Our main strength is the unity between the athletes and our coach, who has experience and was once runner-up in Bahia. Let’s hope that everything goes well”, said Miguel.

*With guidance from editor Miro Palma