Virginia Beach, Virginia – The Hampton Roads Piranhas are pleased to announce that Cesar Rizzo has been named the new head coach of the PDL Piranhas for the 2011 season. Rizzo served as the assistant coach of the W-League squad in 2010. Leroi Wilson, former head coach, resigned last month citing time constraints of other commitments.
Rizzo, a Sao Paulo, Brazil native, holds coaching credentials including “A” Brazilian Soccer license, International Soccer Course, NSCAA National Youth Diploma, the Tactical Soccer Diploma earned from the 1994 and 2006 Brazilian National Team Soccer Coach Prof. Carlos Alberto Parreira. In addition, he earned dual major Bachelor's Degrees in Economics and Sports Training.
The PDL Piranhas’ new head coach voiced his pleasure on this new position. “I am very excited with this new challenge,” said Rizzo. “Coaching the Hampton Roads Piranhas PDL team is an opportunity that every coach welcomes. Last year, I was only able to see a few matches but I can tell that this is an opportunity to coach at a high level. Players have outstanding skills, opponents are organized tactically and the competition schedule demands high physical and technical performance. I am looking forward to a great 2011 season!”
Rizzo’s love of “the game” began at age five playing at local youth clubs as a goalkeeper. At age 13, he joined his home city’s U15 team, winning the U17 Sao Paul State Championship in 1985.
Rizzo has played and coached at many levels in Brazil, from youth to professional. He is frequently asked to recruit players for Sao Paulo clubs and has developed many players. He has also served as the boys 93’s ODP assistant coach in 2009 and the boys 94’s ODP head coach in 2010.
“The Piranhas are fortunate to have Cesar take the reins of our PDL franchise, said Piranhas’ owner, Marcie Laumann. “He is a gifted coach and one of the best game analysts I know. His international connections have already put us in negotiations with a number of talented players that fans can expect to see on the Sportsplex pitch this summer.”
Rizzo currently serves as Director of Coaching for the Old Dominion Soccer Club. He is also the Boys and Girls Head Soccer Coach for Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School. He and his wife Cibele and son Lucas live in Virginia Beach.
For more information about the 2011 Hampton Roads Piranhas, including sponsorships, tickets, internships or to volunteer, please call 757-572-1592 or visit www.hrpiranhas.com.
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