July 26 – On the eve of their return to the Belgian top flight, RWD Molenbeek have announced that former Brazil international Claudio Caçapa (pictured) will manage the club.
The Belgian club had controversially dismissed their coach Vincent Euvrard with just days to go until the kick off of the 2023/24 season but moved quickly to replace him with Caçapa, who as a player featured for Newcastle and Lyon, and won three caps for Brazil.
Caçapa’s management credentials however are limited. He was an assistant coach at Olympique Lyon and worked as an interim coach at Botafogo earlier this month. Those two clubs are also a part of the network of clubs owned by John Textor, who also owns Molenbeek.
“With a solid background in European football as a former player as well as an assistant manager at OL, RWDM’s new manager also has in-depth knowledge of two clubs owned by Eagle Football Holdings,” said RWD Molenbeek in a statement. “It aligns perfectly with John Textor’s vision to build a strong relationship between the different clubs in the group, which will help RWDM win.”
Former RWD Molenbeek player Igor de Camargo will return to Brussels as well, serving as an assistant coach. “Coach Cacapa has a lot of confidence in him and he brings a wealth of expertise to the club, especially in the field of developing young talent,” said Molenbeek.
Last season, the club secured their return to the Belgian top flight after a 21-year absence. They will open the new season against Racing Genk at home on July 29.
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