Angolan minister defends ‘deserved prize’ for Palancas Negras

In an exclusive interview, in which he made a balance of the sportive year and outlined the projects in the youth area, the minister clarified that his way of valuing the athletes had never been questionable. He also highlighted that his institution was awaiting official information from the Angolan Football Federation (FAF) about this case.

“We don’t have an official word yet. We are waiting for the Angolan Federation to contact us because both parties are under negotiation,” he said. “Only after that we take it to higher instances of the government. The athletes must be well awarded and there is no doubt about that.”

According to him, the prize should never be seen as the conditioning element for the dedication and determination of the footballers, adding that above all, there are other values which relevance exceeds the sports forum. He added: “We are going to work within our country’s financial limitations, within our patriotism, ethics and principles, because the national team has all the necessary conditions to do well in the Africa Cup of Nations 2010.”

The FAF and the national team are in negotiations so as to define the mechanisms and prizes for the players. The official also referred to Angola’s national team coach, Portuguese Manuel Jos. To Muandumba, the experience Jose showed throughout his carrier guarantees the national team to be at the highest level of the African competition but he asked for that support from the society to the technical team, players and managers.

“The national team is in good hands. In the hands of someone with experience and that knows African football well. Now let’s wait. The social communication also needs to help us transmit (to) our athletes that will of winning.”

Angola plays the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations on January 10 against Mali in National Stadium 11 de Novembro in Luanda.