Three wins in Nazaré make Rui Delgado’s side the champions
Biblioteca Instrução e Recreio (BIR) Beach Soccer claimed the AF Leiria Cup, held this past week at Estádio do Viveiro, in Nazaré.
After finishing fourth in the Zona Centro, and with the best defense of the entire National Division, Portuguese 2nd Division (22 goals conceded in 7 matches), Rui Delgado’s team won the first trophy of its history.
The wins over GR Amigos da Paz (3-1), from Elite Division, Motor Club (12-3), hosts ACD “O Sótão” (6-4) and CC Ansião (6-3) got BIR Beach Soccer the glory. The only defeat in the competition was against Casa Benfica Caldas da Rainha (6-7 at the penalty kick shootout, after a 2-2 draw).
Former International Portuguese player, and now coach of Biblioteca Instrução e Recreio BS Rui Delgado said that “there are coaches that make players, and players and teams that make coaches. In this case everything is due to these players, who knew how to put their personal goals aside, in order to work for the construction of a cohesive team, and with a common goal. I learned a lot from each player throughout this season. But there is still a lot of work to do, because with great victories comes great responsibility next.“
“I would like to thank everybody for their support, and specially the Presedente da Câmara Municipal de Nazaré, Dr. Walter Chicharro, as well as, Henrique Piló and Álvaro Murraças, for trusting me to coach this wonderful team, and the team captains Rui Hilário and Ricardo Pombinha, for their great support throughout the season“, he concluded.