Portuguese Football League Features Nine Cape Verdean Players in 2023-2024
The 2023-2024 season of the Portuguese Football League kicks off today with the match between Sporting and Rio Ave. Notably, the league features nine footballers of Cape Verdean nationality.
Among the notable returnees are Luso-Cape Verdean Nani to Estrela da Amadora and Renato Sanches to Benfica. Additionally, Telmo Arcanjo, returning from a year-long injury, strengthens Vitória de Guimarães.
Other Cape Verdeans to watch out for include Bruno Varela (Vitória de Guimarães), Carlos Ponck (Moreirense), Vasco Lopes (Desportivo das Aves), and Fabrício Garcia and Wagner Pina (Estoril Praia).
While Nilton Varela from Estrela da Amadora is yet to represent the Cape Verde national team, 12 Cape Verdeans are competing in the second division, with Stopira returning to Portuguese football after 14 years. Experienced defender Fernando Varela has also joined Alverca.
In the third-tier Liga III, eight Cape Verdeans are vying for glory, with Cuca, who has 14 international caps to his name, being a notable figure.