Timorese star Mouzinho Signs for Angkor Tiger

Star Timor-Leste forward Mouzinho Barreto de Lima has become the latest player recruited by Angkor Tiger chief Alistair Heath, adding more depth to what is already arguably the most exciting attack in the Cambodian Premier League.

To read about the Cambodian Premier League click here

Who is Mouzinho?

Still only 20 years old Mouzinho first hit the world stage at the 2019 AFF U-18 Youth Championship finishing as joint top scorer on 6 goals, despite his team going out in the first round.

This was quickly followed by 14 goals in just 7 matches for SLB Laulara in the 2020 FFTL, the last national championship to be held in Timor-Leste.

For local fans though it was the AFF Under 23 Championships held in Cambodia where he really left his mark grabbing 2 goals in 3 games, as well as being instrumental in knocking out the host nation. And it was through these performances duly noted at the time by Khmer Nights that led to his eventual move to Cambodia, with Tiger boss Heath telling Khmer Nights “We first noticed him at the AFF Cup and have been in talks since. We are really pleased to have gotten this over the line and I honestly feel this could be the biggest signing in the clubs history”.

To read about Cambodia losing to Timor-Leste click here. 

And as for the player himself? While obviously emotional about saying goodbye to his teammates and moving abroad for the first time, he was still confident about the move telling Khmer Nights “I am really happy to be playing for Angkor Tiger and want to give 100 percent. I am hungry for success and really excited about working with Iago and Gabriel up-front”.

While having a slow start to the season Angkor Tiger improved greatly as time went by, largely spurred on by their star Brazilian strike force, with Mouzinho seen as the perfect addition by Heath, who added “We want to play exciting football and entertain our fans. I feel this signing really shows how ambitious we are as a club”.

And as for far Mouzinho can go? According to his national coach, Brazilian Fábio Magrão “Of course anything can happen in football, but he truly has the potential to be very special. Football comes naturally to him and I think this is the start of beautiful career”.

And as for the player himself? He very candidly told Khmer Nights “I want to be the best player in Asia”. Whether that will happen, or not time only time will tell. Mouzinho though has already made his presence very much felt, scoring in last nights 2-1 defeat to Cambodia – which you can read about here.