Weekly Roundup | 02/09/2026
A weekly roundup of all things football in Cabo Verde
I really enjoy putting these roundups together but they take a lot of time each week and non-Basofu things in my life are getting a bit busier so I may start to move to a bi-weekly cadence or perhaps significantly shorten the weekly version. Just wanted to let everyone know that we’re still here and still keeping an eye on the archipelago but that the news might slow down a bit.
Additionally, rather than do game summaries I’ll mostly pare it down to including the results and tables. If a game is particularly interesting or relevant then I’ll cover it in addition to any news of note from the various regions. I assume most people skip those portions of the newsletter anyway.
National
Defeated FCF election candidate calls out irregularities
Eliseu Cardoso, the losing candidate in the Cabo Verdean Football Federation (FCF) elections held on January 10th, accused the ballot process of numerous irregularities and urged the federation to suspend the swearing‑in of the newly elected officials until his appeal is resolved. Cardoso, former head of the National Arbitration Commission, argued that the voter‑delegate list was released only hours before voting, preventing candidates from reviewing or challenging it. He also pointed out that votes were cast by associations whose mandates had expired (Santiago Sul, Brava, São Nicolau) while a legitimate regional president from Maio was barred from voting and replaced by a substitute.
The contested result gave Mário Semedo a narrow 7‑to‑5 victory over Cardoso. Cardoso’s camp filed an appeal with the Electoral Appeals Committee, citing the procedural flaws and demanding a decision within the statutory 48‑hour window—a deadline that remains unmet. With the inauguration scheduled for Thursday, Cardoso insisted the federation’s interim administration should stay in place to ensure continuity of national teams and sporting activities until the dispute is settled, emphasizing transparency, legality, and respect for democratic norms.
Spoiler: the inauguration went ahead
After a 16‑year stint that ended in 2015, Mário Semedo was re‑elected president of the FCF and took office in Praia. Semedo’s executive committee comprises a dozen vice‑presidents and together the committee will steer the federation through the 2025‑2029 term, promising “serenity and tranquility” as they work to push forward a slate of new initiatives. Semedo highlighted immediate priorities such as securing Cabo Verde’s participation in upcoming women’s World Cup qualifiers and Africa Cup of Nations, while noting that the tournament’s venue (currently slated for Morocco, with South Africa as a backup) remains unchanged. Logistics like visas will be handled with FIFA’s help, and the election process itself was praised for its transparency, overseen by a panel of jurists and magistrates.
Beyond the marquee events, Semedo vowed to strengthen domestic competitions, attract new partners, and boost financial resources to make Cabo Verdean football more structured, attractive, and sustainable. In his own words, “More important than personal rivalries is our commitment to the sport and the country.” With a seasoned leader back at the helm, the federation hopes to turn the next few years into a period of growth.
Executive Committee
President
Mário Mendes dos Reis Semedo - current FCF President
Vice Presidents
Paulo Santos – current FCF VP
Inácio Carvalho – current FCF VP
Mário Avelino – President of Santiago Sul FA, aka Donnay
Joselene Safira – licensed notary (at least that is how they are referenced in this document though I’m sure that’s not their only job)
Fernando Firmino – current FCF VP
Tatiana Carvalho – current FCF VP of women’s football
Nelson Lopes – businessman, President of Estoril (2° Division in São Vicente)
Teresa Brito – ?
Ivan Ramos – new FCF VP of Futsal and Beach football
Neusa Gonçalves – former player, coach, coordinator of Llana Youth Training and Integration School, and seems like even more things
Boa Vista
Just a note that my data is missing some goal scorers as I have the following Golden Boot table which differs from that of the ARFBV (FA on the island of Boa Vista), whose data is far more reliable than mine but not completely public. One thing we both have shared is that Guma from Sporting da Boa Vista is crushing it.
Brava
Nô Pintcha’s hot‑headed exit
Clube Desportivo Nô Pintcha announced this past Wednesday that they would quit the Brava regional championship, citing “lack of respect and character” from the officials. In a formal letter signed by club president Anildo Andrade (pictured below), the team complained that repeated officiating controversies have left players, staff, and supporters “strongly demotivated.” The club apologized for the decision and thanked everyone for their understanding. Nô Pintcha was founded on September 12, 1975 and officially registered on December 21, 1985.
Regional FA chief Samuel Varela confirmed receipt of the letter but urged calm, describing the move as a “hot‑head” reaction. He emphasized that the championship will carry on, perhaps even stronger, and reported that talks with the club’s leadership have already led Nô Pintcha to resume training and reconsider its withdrawal. While emotions ran high on the pitch, officials hope the dispute will be settled without further “referee‑related fireworks”.
Second week of Taça Brava
Fogo
2° Division results back to being difficult to obtain and so I’m not including the outdated table here.
Taça Fogo Semifinals next weekend
Next weekend will see the semifinalists of the Taça Fogo battle for a spot in the final. The winner of the competition will go on to represent the island at the national cup competition, Taça Cabo Verde.
Maio
Sub‑17 league begins with Titans, Victory School, and the Embryos
Ok, a bit of clickbait there but the translations of the club names was simply too good. The 2025/26 regional Sub‑17 championship on the island of Maio launched on Saturday at the Estádio Dau de Segunda. The opening match pitted Os Titânios against Escola Vitória, kicking off a double‑round format that will see each of the three youth sides (Os Titânios, Escola Vitória and Os Embriões) play one another twice.
The second round arrives on February 14th when Os Embriões host Os Titânios, followed by the third round on the 18th featuring Escola Vitória versus Os Embriões. The competition wraps up on March 7th with the final showdown between Os Embriões and Escola Vitória. The tournament aims to nurture local talent, give youngsters a taste of competitive football, and raise general interest in football as the island has struggled to hold regular competitions.
Sal
Santiago Norte
Reminder that GD Varandinha has withdrawn from competitions. I’m still waiting for clarification if the league will continue to award 3-0 wins to teams scheduled to play Varandinha or if they’ll nullify the prior results (which seems more likely). Until then I’ll continue updating as 3-0 wins for Varandinha’s opponents.
Santiago Sul
Santo Antão Norte
Santo Antão Sul
Os Sanoanenses celebrate 42 years
The Sanjoanenses Football Club of Santo Antão Sul marked its 42nd anniversary, with board president Domingos Cruz pledging to keep the team a “historical reference” for the region. Celebrating the legacy of the “Ribeira das Patas blues” founded in 1984, Cruz called the club’s longevity a collective achievement, crediting the dedication, unity, and enthusiasm of the whole “great family” that keeps the badge alive across generations.
For the new season the side adopted the rallying cry “Why not one more?”, a nod to chasing yet another trophy. Their primary goal is to defend the current crown and finally clinch a historic fourth championship, proving that even after four decades, Sanjoanenses still believes there’s always “one more” win to chase.
Lenine Rocha runs unopposed to lead Santo Antão Sul FA ahead of new season
Former international referee Lenine Rocha was the sole candidate in the election for president of the Santo Antão Sul Regional Football Association. Although he was previously elected in December, that vote was declared invalid because it was organized by a management committee that did not comply with the association’s statutes. Running again, Rocha promises to steer the federation toward “excellence and sustainability” with a transparent, accountable administration.
The election also included the selection of other association bodies for three‑year terms, establishing the institutional framework needed for the upcoming championship.
Games return to the island as league gets underway, finally
São Nicolau
São Vicente
