In a year with Série D and Copa do Brasil, Jequié is preparing to maintain his rise in Bahian football

After two years of ascension in Bahian football, Jequié is preparing for a historic season in 2025. Champion of the state Series B in 2023, Jipão surprised in last year’s Baianão, going to the semi-finals, and will compete in the Copa do Brasil and the Series D of the Brazilian Championship for the first time in its history. The team debuts in the state on Sunday, at 6:30 pm, against Juazeirense, at the Waldomiro Borges Stadium.

The club was the only one to beat the Ba-Vi duo in 2024, with two 1-0 victories that helped ADJ reach the semi-finals. In total, there were four wins, two draws and three defeats in the first phase. A combination of results in the last round sealed qualification for the knockout stages, where the team was eliminated after two defeats to Bahia.

“We had a good season and secured a schedule for this year. All of this is the result of serious work, with feet on the ground and all the dedication that Jequié and his fans deserve. This year, the work will continue and I hope that we continue to move forward and bring joy to our fans, to our city”, said the club’s president, Leur Lomanto Jr.

From that squad, only seven players remain at the club: Netto Rocha, Sérgio Baiano, Jean Rodrigues, Azevedo, Guga, João Grilo and Kaynan. In total, 18 players were signed for this season, with highlights being goalkeeper Thiago Passos, voted the best in his position at Baianão 2024, attacking midfielder Gregory and right-back Railan, revealed by Bahia.

“We maintained a base from last year’s team and brought players who want to show their potential. We put together a competitive squad, well leveled in terms of CVs and experiences, in addition to providing all the structure so that we can remain among the main clubs in the state. Our first objective is to reach the semi-finals again, to guarantee a calendar for 2026. Then we start fighting for the title”, said Leur.

Jequié’s football manager, Jayme Brandão, says that the group was assembled with the club’s participation in Série D and the Copa do Brasil in mind. “We prioritize bringing athletes with experience in national competitions, looking for more popular names to create a competitive group for the year. I really believe in the group we formed, without any great stars or highlights, but with good players who have an interesting profile. They are quality athletes, with a resume and potential to be highlighted this year”, he explained.

“Our biggest concern was with the physical part of the athletes. We have three competitions this year, we need them to improve their conditioning so that we can endure the 90 minutes of games and perform as expected. Furthermore, we include the tactical part in training so that they have a better rapport and get to know each other on the field. The work continues so that we can bring joy to our fans this year”, said coach Betinho.

Another ally of Jipão is the fans, as the team won three of the four games played at the Waldomiro Borges Stadium last season. Among the results is the 1×0 victory against Vitória, in the 5th round. This year, Waldomirão will host at least 13 ADJ games for Baianão, Copa do Brasil and Série D.

“The support of the fans is fundamental and a differentiator for Jequié, because the city mobilizes and comes to the stadium. This fan participation is very important for us to transform Waldomiro Borges into an agent of gain and pressure on the opponent. We have to take full advantage of the fans, the pitch and the quality of the group”, concluded Jayme.

*With guidance from editor Miro Palma