Jorvan Vieira

Playing career

Vieira began his professional football career after studying Sports Medicine for three years, playing for top Brazilian clubs Vasco da Gama, Botafogo and Portuguesa in the 1970s. He went on to coach all three clubs after hanging up his boots and since those days has coached 26 club teams and five national squads.

Coaching career

Vieira took his first overseas position in 1980 when he became coach of Qatar Sports Club for a season before taking charge of the Oman Under-20 side a year later. He then moved on to Africa where he spent over eight years in Morocco. During that time he managed several Moroccan club sides including FAR Rabat, whom he led to the 1987 and 1989 league championships and the 1986 Moroccan Cup, as well as Wydad Athletic Club, TS Casablanca and IR Tanger.

Vieira was appointed assistant manager to the Moroccan national side for the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. Alongside compatriot José Faria he led Morocco into the second round of the tournament as group winners ahead of England, Portugal and Poland, becoming the first African side to do so in the process.

He then managed the Kuwait under-20 side before having an impressive spell and leading Al Qadisiya to the Kuwaiti league title, which was followed by further success when he was in charge of Egyptian club Al-Ismaili in 2001. Vieira was re-appointed as the coach of the Oman Under-20 side in the same year. After spending a year in the job, Vieira went on to coach the Malaysia Under-20 side before returning to Oman, where he led Al-Nasr Salalah to the Sultan Qaboos Cup, and was manager of Al-Ta'ee in Saudi Arabia.

On December 26, 2007, it was officially announced that Vieira signed a one-year contract with Mes Kerman F.C. in the Iran Pro League for an approximate fee of $640,000. Yet a few days later on 29 December the deal fell through due to financial reasons.

On February 2, 2008, Vieira signed an 18-month contract with AFC Champions League 2007 finalists Sepahan F.C.. Vieira was sacked by Sepahan F.C. on June 9, 2008, 12 months before his contract would expire.

After the announcement of Luiz Felipe Scolari's departure from the Portuguese National Team, Vieira was being touted among possible successors to the charismatic Brazilian boss, but the post was eventually awarded to former Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz in July 2008.

Vieira signed a one-year contract with Iraq on September 2, 2008, where he led them to the Gulf Cup. On 5 February 2009 the Iraqi football federation sacked the Brazilian coach.

On August 10, 2012, Zamalek announced officially that Vieira would be Zamalek's new manager.

On 10 August 2013, Jorvan Vieira was named coach of Kuwait's national side. The Brazilian led Iraq's national side to success in the 2007 Asian Cup.

Asian Cup success

Less than two months ahead of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup finals Vieira was named coach of war-torn Iraq. He led them all the way to the final of the 2007 WAFF Championship but finished as runners-up after losing 1–2 in the final against Iran. After this tournament, Iraq played in the Asian Cup. Incredibly, he led Iraq to the 2007 Asian Cup title after stunning the pre-tournament favourites Australia in a 3–1 victory, edging Korea on penalties and finally upsetting regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia 1–0 in the final. The goal was scored by captain Younis Mahmoud. Vieira immediately confirmed he would not be staying on in the role, citing the unsettled nature of the Iraq football administration. He returned to manage Iraq for the 2009 Gulf Cup of Nations but was unsuccessful and was sacked.

Personal life

Honours

Botola 1983/84 with AS-FAR Club

Coupe du Trône 83/84 with AS-FAR Club

2007 AFC Asian Cup with Iraq