Croatian coach Boris Pusic will take over the running of the Mozambique national team for the two World Cup qualifiers over the next week, assisted by Mano-Mano and Dario Monteiro.

Pusic has been borrowed from Vilankulo, who finished in 10th place in the just completed Mocambola season.

Pusic and Monteiro have been appointed solely for the two matches against Gabon in Maputo on Wednesday night and the return in Libreville on the weekend.

Mano-Mano had been the caretaker coach after he replaced Joao Chissano, who quit after disappointing results in the 2017 African Nations Cup qualifiers.

“Boris Pusic was the coach currently available and the profile that the federation was looking for. I must stress that this coach, along with deputy Dario Monteiro, were hired specifically for this round against Gabon. They accepted the invitation after our initial contact, “said Filipe Johane, secretary general of the Mozambican Football Federation (FMF).

But Pusic told reporters he would like to stay on loner.

“I accepted the invitation because I believe in the Mambas. I believe we can eliminate Gabon. We will play to win. Let’s not look at the difference of our rankings. We know that at this time the Gabonese are better placed and have a great team, but with faith and work, the Mambas can win.

He said he would like to continue in the Mambas if they advance. “Why not? The sky is the limit. The desire of all is to always reach higher levels and I would welcome an invitation to stay longer,” he added.