Shamu, Ricardinho, Renato Add Veteran Finesse to Dallas Sidekicks 2015-16 Squad
October 22, 2015 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Dallas Sidekicks News Release
Ricardinho, Patrick Shamu and Renato Pereira of the Dallas Sidekicks
(Dallas Sidekicks)
Allen, TX (Oct. 22, 2015) - Dallas Sidekicks Head Coach and General Manager Simon Bozas announced today the signing of three veteran midfielders to the team's 2015-16 squad. Patrick Shamu, Ricardinho and Renato Pereira will take the turf when the team opens the season against the Missouri Comets on Nov. 13 at Allen Event Center.
"Our veterans are vital this season and will play a key role," Bozas said. "We have a lot of young players on the roster this year, and our veterans will be critical in helping them make the transition into the professional indoor game."
A part of the Sidekicks championship seasons in 1998 and 2001, Shamu will return to the pitch after stepping back from the team last season. The Congolese midfielder impressed the Sidekicks coaching staff with his fitness and skill, and his experience on and off the field will be an important contribution. His Sidekicks pedigree includes 120 goals in nine seasons from 1995 to 2004, and 22 goals in 20 games from 2012 to 2014. A long-time fan favorite and coach for the Dallas Texans, Shamu can't wait to be back at Allen Event Center on game day.
"Whether you are a player or a fan, the atmosphere at a Sidekicks game has always been special from day one," Shamu said. "I'm looking forward to all of those feelings coming back and getting out there again."
Ricardinho, 36, made his original Sidekicks debut in 2003, where he set a then-record for most points earned by a rookie with 30. He then went on to win the 2005 MISL championship in Milwaukee, and also spent time with the Detroit Ignition, Baltimore Blast and Omaha Vipers. In 2014 Ricardinho was named to the US National Futsal Team and helped the squad win the Four Nations Tournament. A skilled playmaker, the Brazilian native has been a mainstay in the Sidekicks midfield for the past three seasons, notching 16 goals and 35 assists in 34 regular season games. Ricardinho is familiar in the Dallas soccer community, coaching at The Pit in Frisco and running the Peter Luccin Academy. He is looking forward to a continued presence on the pitch, and is optimistic about the season ahead.
"We are thinking big," Ricardinho said. "Our competition this season will not be easy, but from our practices so far and seeing the group that is being put together, I think we have the ability to surprise a lot of people."
Fellow Brazilian Renato has had a long career and seen success with La Raza de Monterrey, San Diego Sockers, Harrisburg Heat and the Dallas Sidekicks. In the past three seasons in Dallas he has produced 15 goals and 12 assists in 23 games. Rigorous practices with familiar veterans and new local talent for the past month with Coach Bozas has proved to be a great motivation for the 39-year-old.
"We are all excited about having a fresh start this season," Renato said. "It has motivated us to work even harder to show what we have and prove that we deserve a spot."
Individual tickets for 2015-16 home games will go on sale soon. Season and group tickets are available by calling 469-200-GOAL or emailing tickets@dallassidekicks.net. To get the latest team updates, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram @GoSidekicks or on Facebook at facebook.com/GoSidekicks.
Images from this story
 Ricardinho, Patrick Shamu and Renato Pereira of the Dallas Sidekicks |
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