LUANDA: Manuel Jose, appointed Angola’s coach last June, could emerge as the star turn for the hosts of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.

The wily 63-year-old took over the Palancas Negras after a successful five year spell at the helm of top Egyptian side Al-Ahly, and in his six month tenure he appears to have already reversed Angola’s dipping fortunes.

Angola and Benfica striker Pedro “Mantorras Manuel believes Jose’s was a shrewd appointment.

“The biggest star in our side is our coach, he says.

Described as “a very clever coach and one that can “psychologically get the best out of players, Jose’s arrival has raised a nation’s expectations.

Jose has already injected a note of discipline into the squad, taking a tough stance when star striker Manucho turned up late for those friendlies, axing the Real Valladolid forward from his squad.

“I want to play with strong characters, I want men, he told his team after warm-up friendly draws with Ghana and Congo.

On his appointment non-nonsense Jose said: “This will be a good challenge for my career, and I am very motivated.

“By December I can guarantee that the Angolan national team will be mentally, physically, technically, tactically and psychologically ready. -AFP