The mother of Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha will now be able to obtain a visa to enter the United States and support her son during the World Cup. This announcement comes after financial constraints had previously prevented her from attending the team’s historic match against Spain earlier this week, as revealed by US House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Due to a policy set by the US government, citizens from Cape Verde were required to post a returnable bond of $15,000 (£11,200) alongside visa fees to travel to the United States. Although the Trump administration lifted this requirement for World Cup ticket holders last month, the costs had already hindered Ana Candida Evora, Vozinha’s mother, from making the trip.
On Wednesday, Jeffries confirmed that the visa fees for Evora have been waived, allowing her to witness Cape Verde’s upcoming match against Uruguay on Sunday in Miami. He expressed gratitude to Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, and the State Department for their assistance.
“Cape Verdeans in America and throughout the diaspora have been celebrating the underdog grit and resilience of the Blue Sharks, joined by soccer fans from nations throughout the globe,” Jeffries stated. “That joy was tempered a bit when Vozinha tearfully revealed that his own mother was unable to watch her son’s iconic performance in person due to visa complications. No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history. “Upon learning of this development, I spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department to do everything in their power to ensure that his mother can attend Cabo Verde’s next match. It is a privilege to announce that Vozinha’s mom will be able to secure a visa in time to attend their game this Sunday against Uruguay. All fees have been waived consistent with official policy. Travel arrangements are now being made for mother and son to reunite in Miami. I thank Secretary Rubio, US State Department officials, the government of Cabo Verde and Fifa for working together to make this possible.”
“I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and unfortunately they were not here; they died a few years ago,”
Vozinha, who is 40 years old, has been a key figure for Cape Verde, serving as their starting goalkeeper for over a decade. His performance in this World Cup has been remarkable, earning the team its first-ever point and attracting millions of new followers on social media.
“They were everything for me, for my life. I also cried because my mum didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money we had to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage to [get it done] on time. I would like her to be here, but I’m also very happy. “I have worked my whole life for this moment. I’m 40 years old. I started playing football professionally when I was 25, in 2012. I thought about leaving but I continued because of this dream. This is for everyone. I was named man of the match but this is for all of my teammates because without them nothing would be possible. I will continue to work for Cape Verde and for the people.” he shared following the match against Spain. “I said that no ball would enter his goal, and that is exactly what happened,”
“He is a great goalkeeper. I am very proud to be Vozinha’s mother, and I hope he continues to save every ball that comes his way.”
Evora, who is 59 and works as a house cleaner, expressed her pride in her son’s achievements while watching the match from home in São Vicente, one of Cape Verde’s main islands.
“I said that no ball would enter his goal, and that is exactly what happened,” she remarked. “He is a great goalkeeper. I am very proud to be Vozinha’s mother, and I hope he continues to save every ball that comes his way.”
