Mozambique are not renewing the contract of Abel Xavier and have named Victor Matine as their new national team coach.

Former Liverpool and Everton defender Abel Xavier’s contract was up on June 30 and the decision not to renew it announced at a press conference in Maputo by Mozambican Football Federation president Alberto Simango.

It is comes after Mozambique’s failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt and a disappointing display at the Cosafa Cup in Durban in May.

Matine, who is a physical education teacher, was an assistant to Abel Xavier and also a former coach of the Mozambique’s under-23 and under-20 sides.

He took charge of Mozambique at last year’s Cosafa U-20 Championship.

Matine, who turned 53 last month, will have former international midfielder Nelinho as his deputy and jump straight in action this weekend when the Mambas travel to Antananarivo to take on Madagascar in the African Nations Championship qualifiers.