Elias Pelembe: The artist whose presence stabilises the team

Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde has described ageless and speedy winger Elias Dominguez Pelembe as a football artist.

According to Conde, the 39-year-old Royal AM attacker remains a vital cog in Mozambique’s national team set-up even though he was overlooked when the Mambas played Bafana Bafana in a friendly match in Mbombela on 17 November.

Pelembe and Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove were not included in the team that was mainly dominated by local players.

But coach Conde says he still has the Maputo-born veteran player in his plans albeit stiff competition emerging from budding players in Mozambique.

“Elias is a artist. He is older now, I know that but he thinks quickly, technically gifted and very good to us,” Conde told FARPost in a exclusive interview.

“I don’t mind that he is older but maybe he will play 45 to 50 minutes. I have the opportunity but I also have more younger players to play in his position at the moment.”

Conde however said Pelembe, 2007/08 PSL Player of the Season will only be restricted to play at most 50 minutes if drafted into the team.

“I have had conversations with him that he will play 50 minutes. You know that he is my captain. I don’t want to end his career just like that, it’s step by step.

“Elias Pelembe now at 39, it’s very difficult at this point. It’s not easy but I like that he is a good man, a good captain and a good leader. I like too much about him.”

Conde is first to admit that Pelembe’s presences stabilizes the team which is underlined by rookies at the moment.

“It’s very important for me and the team. If I have an opportunity, I will put him in my team. It’s very important to mix young and senior players together. 

“Pelembe is amazing because he thinks fast. I like that about him and the value he gives to the whole team.”

Pelembe made his debut for Mozambique in July 2004.

The well-travelled winger has scored 16 goals in 97 appearances for the Southern Africa nation.

And at club level, the former Mamelodi Sundowns star has won four league titles in South Africa with over 340 appearances to his name.

He has found the back of the net 38 times and provided 65 assists in his illustrious career.

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