Manucho Gonçalves

Full name: Manuel Alberto Contreiras Gonçalves
Date of birth: March 7, 1984
Place of birth: Luanda, Angola
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Playing position: Striker
Previous Club: Petro Atletico
National Team: Angola

History: As a youngster Manucho started his football at a small football club and one of the only football academies in Angola, situated in a rural area of the city of Luanda called Terra Nova (nicknamed Terrex) where he also lived. This club was called Flamenguinhos, and with close supervision of his father and mentor Coach Alberto Gonçalves and Coach Nelo, Manucho rose to become a formidable left side winger and one of the stars of club.

Early Career: Manucho's recent professioal career started in Benfica de Luanda, a midtable club of the Angolan Girabola league. He then moved to Luanda based side Petro Atlético were he initially struggled to find a place due to the presence of striker Flávio Amado. After Flávio joined Egyptian outfit Al Ahly Manucho established himself in the side becoming the top scorer of Girabola for the past two years with 16 and 15 goals in 2006 and 2007 respectively.