A new dawn awakens for Olhanense
Following relegation from the Primeira Liga 10 years ago, Olhanense fans have seen their team spiral towards oblivion. Last weekend reformed ‘SC Olhanense 1912’ rose from the ashes to clinch the Algarve Division 2 title at their first attempt with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Armacenenses.
The fans have had little to cheer of late, but with promotion having been assured with a 2-0 win at Imortal the previous week, there was a carnival atmosphere at the José Arcanjo Stadium (Olhão).
Over 2,000 fans turned up to celebrate as new President former player and manager Manuel Cajuda, who was close to tears as the young players roared into a two-goal lead through Miguel Serôdio and Ricardo Alves.
In the second period, goals from Miguel Serôdio and Nicolas Pinto followed, before a stunning 40m strike from Peterson rounded off a first-class display.
Two hours before kick-off, there had been queues at the hog-roast and bar, as the bugle and drums awakened the locals from their afternoon slumbers. Supporters young and old scrambled for seats to cheer on their local heroes. At half-time, many of those youngsters – ages from five to 15 – paraded on the pitch as members of the eight youth teams run by the club.
At the final whistle, the fireworks illuminated the night sky as Albertino Galvão, Vice-President of the Algarve Football Association, and António Pina, Mayor of Olhão, presented the trophy to Olhanense captain Tiago Maia.
Former Portugal international Jorge Costa and SC Braga coach Rui Duarte, who had managed and captained Olhanense when they last gained promotion in 2009, sent messages of support and encouragement.
Fifteen years ago, it was promotion from Liga 2 to the Primeira Liga, but this new success came on the 100th anniversary of Olhanense winning the Campeão de Portugal. That famous 4-2 victory over FC Porto was the first time a team outside of Lisbon and Porto had lifted the trophy.
As a new dawn awakens for Olhanense, the fans can celebrate a remarkable history of a club that has done so much to foster a family sense of purpose for thousands of Olhão inhabitants during 112 years since its formation on April 27, 1912. SC Olhanense is on its way back!
By CHRIS WRIGHT
