I don't promise miracles

Angola national team coach Pedro Goncalves is fresh off a historic achievement with the Palancas Negras, having led them to back-to-back COSAFA Cup titles. The Portuguese tactician’s growing success is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook—not only has he guided Angola to silverware, but he has also earned continental award nominations and helped the team climb the FIFA rankings. Soccer Laduma’s Lukhanyo Mtuta sat down with Goncalves for an in-depth conversation, also touching on the rise of Gilberto Miguel and Inacio Miguel, the latest Angolan duo to make their mark in South Africa.

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Lukhanyo Mtuta: Coach, thanks a lot for taking the time to speak to us. How have the last five years been for you as Angola’s senior men’s coach?

Pedro Gonçalves: It’s been years of hard work, building and committing to a project that demands patience, intelligence, conviction, and long-term vision. When I accepted the challenge, I knew Angola had tremendous untapped potential and that we needed time, structure, and mutual trust to develop a competitive team. We’ve had our ups and downs, as is natural, but I feel that today we have a committed national team, improving year after year, and capable of going toe-to-toe with the strongest sides in Africa.

LM: What do you think has made you stay in charge this long?

PG: Stability is only truly possible thanks to results, but also through alignment with the Federation and the country’s goals. I’ve always been clear: I don’t promise miracles, but I commit to the sustainable growth of the national team. I believe that respect for the work being done, the way we engage with the players, and a genuine desire to see Angola progress on the African and global stage have been fundamental pillars.

LM: You've worked in national team setups for quite a long time. Do you ever consider coaching in club football?

PG: Yes. Club football has very different dynamics compared to national teams, and it would certainly be an enriching challenge. But right now, I'm fully focused on the mission I have with Angola. I’m fully aware of the responsibility that comes with representing a country, and as long as I feel I still have something to give, my focus will remain there.

LM: When you took over Palancas Negras, they were ranked in the hundreds by FIFA; now they are ranked 87th. What's been the biggest factor behind the massive improvement?