Baniyas focus on overseas candidates as 'new coach will not be Emirati'

Baniyas has a shortlist of candidates to replace Jorvan Vieira and expect to have their man in place by their next league feature, at Al Shabab on November 26.

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ABU DHABI // Baniyas have drawn up a shortlist of overseas candidates to become their new head coach and hope to make an appointment before the next round of Pro League games.

Musaad Al Harthi, the club spokesman, confirmed Monday that last season's runners-up have received several applications to replace Jorvan Vieira.

Salem Al Orafi, the youth team coach and technical director, took charge of last week's 4-1 home win over Emirates, the team's only victory this season, but will not be considered for the job.

"Because this is Eid, the club is on holiday for a few days, but we have had many CVs sent to us and will go through them when the holiday is over," Al Harthi said.

"The new coach will not be an Emirati. He will be from overseas, from outside the club, and what we want is an experienced man … we have a list of good candidates."

Al Harthi denied a report suggesting Lufti Al Benzarti, sacked by Baniyas last season, could return.

But he intimated that the new man would be in place before the team's next league fixture, away to Al Shabab on November 26.

Gabriel Calderon, the Argentine coach, who was shortlisted for the Al Jazira job before it was offered to Franky Vercauteren, has been mentioned. He has worked in Saudi Arabia, where he won the league with Al Ittihad and Al Hilal.

Vieira was dismissed last month with Baniyas on one point from three league games. He failed to record a single win in seven league and cup matches.