‘Excited And Beyond Grateful’: Oliver Minatel Returns To Cavalry In Staff Role

Brazilian forward Oliver Minatel wrapped up a twelve-year career following the 2022 Canadian Premier League season, with injuries curtailing what he had hoped to be a resurgence in the CPL.

Now the 30-year-old is reuniting himself with Cavalry FC, where he’ll be the club’s new Head of Recruitment and Player Development.

“I’m very excited and beyond grateful for this opportunity,” said Oliver. “For all the coaching staff and owners to bring me back and to give me this chance to start this career means everything.”

Cavalry has proven to be a staple for providing professional players with further career opportunities after they hang up their boots, with Mauro Eustaquio and Nik Ledgerwood having carved out coaching opportunities with the side while Mason Trafford is making the transition to an office role, too.

Minatel’s playing career saw him become a familiar face in North America, where he plied his trade with the Ottawa Fury, Cavalry FC, and York United.

The 30-year-old contributed some 20 goals in 130 appearances throughout Portugal, Brazil, the US, and Canada, with highlights including a Europa League appearance in 2011 and helping Cavalry FC to a fall season win in 2019.

He’ll return to Spruce Meadows with an inside knowledge of not just the league itself, but what it takes to acclimate international talent to North American football. Between that and his skillset in the league, he looks to be an astute pickup for Cavalry FC.

“Oliver was a highly intelligent and skillful player and an absolute pleasure to work with,” adds head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr., “the combination of his vast and global playing experience, along with his educational achievements will only further help our club growth continue both domestically and internationally.”