Edgware Town hope to sign Brazilian Paulo Cezar in time for their Associate Members Trophy tie against Kingsbury Town on Saturday.

Cezar has played for Rio Branco, Commercial and Fluminense in his native Brazil, as well as in China.

Cezar said: "I am looking forward to playing for Edgware Town and working with the lads. I am certain we can turn the results around. Hopefully some players may come out and play in the future for Edgware Town from my academy work with local children at the Edson Centre."

Cezar was brought to Edgware Town by the nearby Edson Sports Centre, where youngsters are taught to play the game the Brazilian way.

Gary Crocker of the Edson Centre said: "Paulo needed to play in a game situation until we find him a club, possibly in the Nationwide League Division Three.

"This way, Edgware are helping him, and Paulo is helping Edgware, who are a very young side.

"He is not on contract and is free to talk to any club that shows an interest."

Wares manager Dave Kelly said: "Paulo has trained with us, and it was agreed that he would meet me on Monday and sign. But he phoned to say he was not feeling well. However, I am still hoping he will play at Kingsbury on Saturday."

Cezar owns soccer schools in Vittoria and Pinheiros, Brazil, where more than 200 children are coached every week.

Cezar is starting a football academy for children aged from nine to 11 at the Edson Sports Centre, Pavilion Way, Edgware, every Friday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, starting on February 7. Call the centre on 020 8951 5252.

January 29, 2003 18:00