FOOTBALL – RENOWNED Portuguese tactician Fernando Manuel de Jesus Santos, popularly known as ‘Nandinho’, announced yesterday that he has left his post as head coach of Muharraq Club’s senior men’s football team.
His departure comes after guiding Muharraq’s squad to a sensational title double this 2025-26 season – winning both the His Majesty the King’s Cup and the Nasser bin Hamad Bahrain Premier Football League.
“Today marks the end of a very special chapter in my professional life,” said Santos in a post on his official social media account.
“A story written in golden letters, which began 16 months ago and was defined by commitment, dedication, ambition, and resilience. A journey built on respect, friendship and professionalism, with one clear purpose: to restore the glory and prestige of this club.”
The 53-year-old former winger had taken on the duties at Muharraq in January of 2025, and has since built a strong connection with his players and is adored by club supporters.
“We built a team of men and professionals who shared these values and, together, we worked in silence, away from external noise, fully focused on our path and our goals,” his post continued.
“We were often treated unfairly through decisions and unfounded criticism. But we never allowed that to shake us. On the contrary, those challenges made us stronger, brought us closer together and helped us grow. We never looked for excuses to justify adversity.
“In doing so, we built more than a team. We built a family. The Al Muharraq family, supported by a sea of passionate and loyal fans who helped us bring glory back to the club.”
Santos expressed his heartfelt appreciation for his team, stating: “Today, I leave with a profound sense of accomplishment for everything we achieved. And I say ‘we’ because no one achieves anything alone in football.
“I also leave with the certainty that one day I will return to this country, where I was always welcomed warmly and felt truly happy.
“Now it is time to return to my safe haven, to my family and friends, to rest, recharge, and prepare for the challenges ahead. But I leave knowing that I am also leaving behind another family: the Al Muharraq family.
“Finally, I would like to thank my staff, the players, the board, and the supporters of Al Muharraq for all the support, affection and trust throughout this journey.
“I wish you all the very best, and may the future continue to be filled with success and achievements.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Following Santos’ post, Muharraq published a message of thanks on their social media page.
“Al Muharraq Club extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to head coach Fernando Manuel for his dedication, commitment, and valuable contributions throughout his time with the club, following his decision not to continue in his role during the upcoming period,” the post read.
“The club expresses its deepest appreciation for the work and efforts he has made, which played an important role in achieving many successes and accomplishments, and wishes him continued success in his future career.”
Under Santos’ tutelage, Muharraq secured this season’s His Majesty the King’s Cup following a 2-1 victory over Riffa in the tournament final, while they clinched the Nasser bin Hamad Bahrain Premier Football League crown after winning a tight, two-horse race with Al Khaldiya, ultimately sealing the title by just a single point.
As of last night, it was still unknown where Santos’ next stop will be or who will be replacing him at the helm of Muharraq, who are one of the biggest and most celebrated football clubs in the region.
&uuid=(email))