Kigali

He played for Brazil! All about Robertinho’s honeymoon period with Rayon Sports

Author: ISHIMWE Walter
On:22/01/2025 16:55
0 0 0 0 0 Loading... 0

Rayon Sports fans continue to relish the performance of their Brazilian coach, Roberto Oliveira Gonçalves do Carmo. What makes his journey even more remarkable is that he once played for Brazil's national team.

Roberto Oliveira Gonçalves do Carmo, popularly known as Robertinho, is a Brazilian football coach and former professional player born on June 22, 1960, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

During his playing days, Robertinho was a well-known forward who featured prominently for Fluminense and several other top Brazilian clubs, including Flamengo, Palmeiras, Internacional, Sport Recife, and Atlético Mineiro. He also had stints in Europe, playing for Nacional in Portugal and Grössembacher in Switzerland.

In the 1980s, Robertinho stood out as a player with exceptional talent. On September 25, 1980, he earned his first and only cap for the Brazilian national team in a match against Paraguay. 

Although his international career was limited to that one game, it was a significant milestone that earned him respect in Brazil's football community.

After retiring as a player, Robertinho transitioned into coaching, starting with Brazilian clubs like Americano and Fluminense, where he began to showcase his managerial skills.

Robertinho’s African Adventure

Robertinho’s coaching journey took him to Africa, where he first coached Stade Tunisien in Tunisia. He returned to the same club in 2007 for a second stint. He later coached Rayon Sports in Rwanda, joining the team in 2018 and returning in 2024 for another tenure.

In 2021, Robertinho became the coach of Gor Mahia in Kenya. However, his tenure was cut short by CAF due to incomplete coaching qualifications. He then moved to Uganda to coach Vipers SC, where he demonstrated his ability to manage competitive teams.

In January 2023, Robertinho was appointed head coach of Simba SC in Tanzania, one of East Africa's most prestigious clubs. However, his stint at Simba ended in November 2023, after just 11 months in charge.

Following his departure from Simba, Robertinho returned to Rayon Sports. Under his guidance, the team reached the CAF Confederations Cup group stages and advanced to the quarter-finals—a historic feat for a Rwandan club.

Since his return, Robertinho has reinvigorated Rayon Sports, positioning them as title contenders in the Rwandan Premier League. As of now, Rayon Sports tops the league table with 36 points from 15 matches, having lost only once.

Robertinho’s Playing and Coaching Career

Clubs Robertinho Played For:

Year

Club

Appearances (Goals)

1978–1982

Fluminense

66 (22)

1983

Flamengo

22 (5)

1984

Palmeiras

14 (2)

1985–1986

Flamengo

-

1987

Internacional

25 (2)

1988

Sport Recife

23 (6)

1989

Atlético Mineiro

4 (2)

1989–1993

Nacional

50 (11)

1994–1995

Grössembacher

-

Clubs Robertinho Coached:

Year

Club

1995

Grössembacher

1995–1997

Rio Branco (SP)

1998–1999

Brasil de Pelotas

1999–2000

São Bento

2000–2002

Fluminense

2003

CRB

2003–2004

CSA

2004

America (RJ)

2004–2005

Rio Branco (ES)

2005–2008

Stade Tunisien

2008–2009

Kazma

2009

Al-Shamal

2009–2010

Hammam-Sousse

2010–2011

Legião

2012–2013

Stade Gabèsien

2013–2014

Grombalia Sports

2014–2016

ASA

2018–2019

Rayon Sports

2020–2021

Gor Mahia

2021–2022

Vipers SC

2023

Simba SC

2024–Present

Rayon Sports

With an illustrious career as both a player and a coach, Robertinho continues to leave his mark on football, inspiring Rayon Sports fans with his tactical brilliance and passion for the game.



Author


Inyarwanda BACKGROUND