The youthful pair of Jefferson Moura, 20, and Ezequiel Paulo Da Cruz, 22, have agreed to join the Port Vila-based outfit and will touch down in the Pacific this weekend.
The signings, which have been hailed as amongst the most significant in the history of the club, were arranged by Amicale vice president Andrew Leong and discussions over the deal have stretched out over six months.
Leong is pleased to have finally secured the signatures of the Brazilian pair and says they will be expected to produce the goods.
“Import players that don’t perform to the level that the club is satisfied with will be sent back,” he warns.
The ranks of the Reds have included several foreign stars in the past – players from Solomon Islands, Fiji and Australia have all been lured to Port Vila – but Moura and Da Cruz will become the first Brazilians to join the club.
Striker Moura will link up with the likes of talisman Fenedy Masauvakalo and Kensi Tangis in the Amicale attack while midfielder Da Cruz will look to provide the ammunition for that talented front line.
The newcomers will need to be at their best from the outset as Amicale have not started the season strongly, failing to win the Opening Cup – a tournament that kicked off the Vanuatu season earlier this month – and losing their first match of the TVL Premier League 2-0 to Shepherds United on the weekend.
Coach Philemon John is not unduly concerned by his side’s beginning to the campaign and believes he has enough ability in his squad to continue the success Amicale have enjoyed in recent seasons.
“We lost the Opening Cup competition but, to be honest, I feel my boys are ready to play in the Premier League this season,” he says.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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