Cape Verde is a footballing nation that's on the rise. Fresh from making history at their first men's World Cup, the Cape Verde's women's side broke new ground on Wednesday as they made their WAFCON debut.
Whilst a 2-0 defeat against Ghana wasn't the fairytale start they were hoping for, it was another sizeable milestone in the story of Cape Verdean football. The journey to Morocco 2026 hasn't happened by chance, however. It's the product of a long process that is starting to yield tangible results for the Blue Sharks. The man responsible for overseeing this plan, and much more, is Rui Costa, the national technical director of the Cape Verde Football Federation.
Costa might well be the hardest-working person in show business. "My role covers coach education, talent development, youth football, women's football, and the implementation of long-term technical projects in close collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other international partners," he tells me. His all-encompassing role also includes "ensuring that our player development pathway is aligned with a clear football philosophy and a sustainable vision for the future."
By his own admission, the role is more than a point of professional pride. It's the culmination of a dream. Costa's journey reflects that of many of the national team players. Leaving the country to pursue increased opportunities before returning home to put those experiences into practice.
"I spent many years in England, where I built my entire coaching career. England gave me the opportunity to become the coach and person I am today. Every morning, I genuinely say, 'Thank you, England.' The experiences, the people, and the football culture shaped me professionally and personally. I learned an incredible amount from English football, and I will always be grateful to the English Football ******* ociation, the clubs I worked with, and everyone who contributed to my journey."
#Football #cape
Whilst a 2-0 defeat against Ghana wasn't the fairytale start they were hoping for, it was another sizeable milestone in the story of Cape Verdean football. The journey to Morocco 2026 hasn't happened by chance, however. It's the product of a long process that is starting to yield tangible results for the Blue Sharks. The man responsible for overseeing this plan, and much more, is Rui Costa, the national technical director of the Cape Verde Football Federation.
Costa might well be the hardest-working person in show business. "My role covers coach education, talent development, youth football, women's football, and the implementation of long-term technical projects in close collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other international partners," he tells me. His all-encompassing role also includes "ensuring that our player development pathway is aligned with a clear football philosophy and a sustainable vision for the future."
By his own admission, the role is more than a point of professional pride. It's the culmination of a dream. Costa's journey reflects that of many of the national team players. Leaving the country to pursue increased opportunities before returning home to put those experiences into practice.
"I spent many years in England, where I built my entire coaching career. England gave me the opportunity to become the coach and person I am today. Every morning, I genuinely say, 'Thank you, England.' The experiences, the people, and the football culture shaped me professionally and personally. I learned an incredible amount from English football, and I will always be grateful to the English Football ******* ociation, the clubs I worked with, and everyone who contributed to my journey."
#Football #cape
11 hours ago
