The Paraguayan second-tier side Club Sporting 2 de Mayo have a secret weapon in their bid to reach the top flight – a stray dog who has become part of their coaching team.

Tesapara has become an “assistant” to the head coach, Carlos Saguier, and rarely leaves his side – standing in his technical area during matches and even attending training.

“Tesapara is the guardian of the club,” Saguier told the Paraguayan newspaper Crónica. “She lives there – when the gates close she is fierce but by day she is friendly. She accompanies me on the pitch, in the corridors, in the office.”

The stray animal was seen around the club’s Monumental Río Parapití ground before Saguier arrived but became the head coach’s “companion” when he offered her a piece of an empanada. “She has been by my side ever since,” Saguier added. “She is my partner in adventure with this club.”

Tesapara in the technical area alongside the head coach, Carlos Saguier. Photograph: Twitter.com/@club2demayo

Tesapara has proved a lucky charm for the team, based in Pedro Juan Caballero, close to the border with Brazil. They are third in the Segunda División and have earned a cup tie with Cerro Porteño, one of the country’s most successful clubs.

Sporting 2 de Mayo’s next match is against second-placed Sportivo San Lorenzo, who have their own canine mascot named Rubia. If they can reach Paraguay’s top flight for the first time, Tesapara could be crucial in avoiding a relegation dogfight.