Born in Porto Alegre, Roland started at Grêmio in 1994, and spending two years in their youth system.[1] In 1996, he moved to Vasco da Gama and helped them win the Brasileirão in 1997.[1] After a short period back at Grêmio, Roland moved abroad and joined Beira-Mar in 1998. He was sparsely used in his first year, that ended with mixed results: relegation in the Primeira Divisão and the conquering the Portuguese Cup.[1] His influence grew in the following three seasons and he became known as free-kick specialist.[2][3] In 2001–02, Roland scored three league goals, two of them against Porto, and in both times, Beira-Mar won.[4][5]