Cape Verde Goalkeeper Set to Be Reunited with His Mum
Cape Verde goalkeeper set to be reunited – Cape Verde’s star goalkeeper, Vozinha, is preparing to meet his mother in Miami before the team’s next World Cup encounter against Uruguay. The 40-year-old, who saved seven crucial shots during the 1-1 draw with Spain, shared his joy over the reunion in an interview after the match. His mother, Ana Candida Evora, had been unable to attend due to the financial burden of a US visa, but plans are now in motion for her to travel to the city.
“I’m very happy,” said Ana Candida Evora, speaking from her home in São Vicente. “This is happening so fast, but I’m quite happy anyway. I’m going to see my son playing in the World Cup, God willing. I’m going there to support him, to give him strength and courage. I’m going to give him a hug after the game.”
Earlier, US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that visa costs had been waived and travel arrangements secured for Vozinha’s mother. “No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history,” he tweeted. Jeffries had reached out to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the State Department to facilitate her attendance. “It is a privilege to announce that Vozinha’s mom will be able to secure a visa in time to attend the game this Sunday against Uruguay. All fees have been waived consistent with official policy,” he added.
A US State Department official confirmed that the visa team in Praia is actively assisting the mother. Meanwhile, Cape Verde is one of five nations in the tournament where citizens must pay a refundable deposit of around £11,000 for a visa, though fans with match tickets were exempted in May.
Heroics and Heartfelt Moments
Vozinha’s standout performance against Spain has made him a national icon, earning millions of social media followers and cementing his status as a legend. The 40-year-old, who has earned 91 caps for his country, now plays for Chaves in Portugal’s second division after stints in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, and Cyprus.
“I cried because I grew up with my grandparents,” Vozinha reflected after the goalless draw. “Unfortunately, they were not here. They died a few years ago. They were everything to me, everything in my life. And also because of my mum. She didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money you have to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage it in time. I would like her to be here.”
At 40 years and 12 days, Vozinha became the oldest player to feature in a nation’s World Cup debut. “I started playing professionally at 25, in 2012. It was too late for a person like me,” he noted. “But this dream kept me on the team.”
Cape Verde’s upcoming fixtures include matches against Uruguay on June 21 and Saudi Arabia on June 27 in Group H. The BBC’s Michel Mvondo in São Vicente provided additional coverage for this story.
