Born in Mirandela, Ferreira moved to Angola at early age but later returned to Portugal due to the Angolan War of Independence. He then played as a midfielder for Ovarense's youth setup, but retired at the age of 20 to obtain his coaching qualifications. After studying in Lisboa at the Superior Institute of Physical Education (he later would work there as a teacher), he joined the Portuguese Football Federation in late 1974 to work with the youth categories.