Born in Luanda, Angola to Portuguese parents, Pereira started playing football with A.C. Marinhense, and went on to spend one season in the second division with the club. From 1985 to 1987 he represented Académica de Coimbra in the Primeira Liga, but was never more than a reserve player. Pereira retired professionally in June 1990 at the age of only 25, after spells in the second level with Moreirense F.C. and C.D. Trofense.
Coaching career
Pereira began coaching aged just 32, starting with Marinhense in division three and moving in 2001 to fellow league side S.C. Pombal. His top-flight debut came in the 2003–04 campaign with another former club, Académica, which he led to the 13th place. In early 2005, after being fired by the Students, Pereira signed with C.D. Nacional and moved shortly after to Moreirense, then spent the next year without a team until he joined Kuwait's Al Tadhamon SC. After leading G.D. Estoril Praia to the fourth place in 2008–09's second tier, he returned to the top division by signing a two-year contract with C.F. Os Belenenses, which had previously been relegated only to avoid it later due to C.F. Estrela da Amadora's serious financial problems. On 21 December 2009, following a series of poor results, Pereira resigned at Belenenses although they were still above the relegation zone – eventually not managing to retain their status. On 9 December of the following year he moved to Cyprus, being appointed at Ermis Aradippou FC and asking to be released at the end of the season after managing to avoid First Division relegation by registering a club-record 30 points in the competition, 38 after the second stage. On 28 November 2011, Pereira replaced countryman João Alves at the helm of Swiss club Servette FC, being replaced in April 2012 by his predecessor. During his tenure the team won four Super League matches, drew two and lost seven. After six years working with Aspire Academy, Pereira returned for another spell as Académica coach on 18 November 2019, with the side now in the second level.
