FORMER Jomo Cosmos and Mozambique international defender Helder Muianga has been appointed assistant coach of his country's national team, the Black Mambas.

Muianga, popularly known as "Mano Mano" during his playing days, earned his coaching stripes at Cosmos after retiring from active football four seasons ago.

After retirement he worked as assistant to Cosmos head coach Jomo Sono and helped steer the club back to the Premier Soccer League after they were relegated in the 2008-09 season.

Muianga's appointment was confirmed by Abdul Abdullah, education officer of the Mozambique Football Association, on Tuesday afternoon.

It is also being speculated that the Black Mambas are considering former Cosmos and Supersport United marksman Manuel "Tico Tico" Bucuane for a managerial position. But Abdullah could not confirm this yesterday.

Writing on the club's website, Muianga's former boss Sono said: "We are happy. We wish to congratulate Mano Mano on his appointment. It could not have happened to a more deserving candidate. We know he will make a success of his new job. This is part of the football legacy we want to build. It makes us proud as a club to be able to produce not only high quality players but also deliver quality coaches."

The club also points at other ex-Cosmos players who have gone on to lofty heights in their coaching careers. They are Pitso Mosimane, now head coach of Bafana Bafana and Augustine Makalakalane who mentors Banyana Banyana.

Sono also points out that while Mosimane is expected to name his second assistant coach soon, rumours doing the rounds claim former Cosmos star Thomas "Chincha" Madigage is favoured for the position. This would add another former Ezenkosi player to its growing list of football achievers.