He was born in Parahyba do Norte (present-day João Pessoa), Brazil.

Kanela was the head coach of the Brazilian football club Botafogo F.R., (1929–1936).

He led Flamengo to 14 Rio de Janeiro State Championships, including 10 in a row, between 1951 and 1960.

He ended his club coaching career with Vila Nova, with which he won the Brazilian Championship, in 1973.

Kanela also coached the senior Brazilian national basketball team.