[Blog] To Cap Verde. Obrigadu!

By Rama Valayden, Senior Counsel

In football as in everything else I support-always-the outsiders. I can see my friends saying "Hola! You support Manchester United"! True but my support started passionately when they were relegated in 1974. Come back to the World Cup. What will remain vivid in our minds is how the Caboverde (Cap Verdean) national football team has captured not only the hearts of all Mauritians but also of world's heart during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The "Blue Sharks" made history as the smallest nation ever to reach the tournament's knock out stages, captivating global viewers with their heroic resilience and never-die attitude.

In their opening match they held the European Champions, Spain to a historic 0-0 draw, famously frustrating the Spanish attack. The wall of Cap Verde was reflected by Josimar Vozinha Dias' staggering of point blank saves to earn, "Haut la Main" the Man of the Match award.

Vozinha Dias delivered goalkeeping masterclasses against both Spain and Argentina.

But what was more captivating was his emotional, tear-filled reactions to his heroic performances resonated deeply with true football fans everywhere.

Football legends and commentators all around the world praised Cap Verde for proving that passion, strong organisation, discipline and a big heart which make it possible for a tiny island to compete against football's biggest powerhouses.

The heroic & unforgettable exit. Their magical fairy tale eventually ended with a narrow, hard fought 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending World Champions Argentina of the great Messi in the Round 32.

Beyond the football pitch, this beautiful island volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean is just as legendary for its natural beauty and culture. We all know now that Cap Verde is a nation of merely 580,000 citizens.

I hope that the the Minister of Sports has sent a congratulatory letter to the Federation and Minister.

The President of Seychelles did congratulate his counterpart, Mr Jose Maria Pereira Neves immediately after their epic match against Argentina.

We have so many things to learn from their successes!
Cap Verde Obrigadu for keeping our dreams alive!

Is our government ready to learn?...

It is apposite to note that the governing body of football in Cap Verde was founded only in 1982 and they affiliated to FIFA and CAF in 1986. The Cap Verde has around eight well organised football academies. And we in Mauritius we, for instance, don't have an academy in Rodrigues...

When will we learn to be less amateurish in everything we do?

Will I see it in my life time?

Again: Obrigadu Cap Verde!

*In Cap Verdean Creole "Obrigadu" means thank you.