The mother of Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha has been granted a visa to enter the United States, allowing her to witness her son compete in the World Cup. This development comes after financial hurdles had previously barred her from attending their significant match against Spain earlier this week, as announced on Wednesday by US House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Due to a policy requiring citizens from Cape Verde to post a $15,000 (£11,200) returnable bond in addition to the visa fee, Ana Candida Evora faced challenges in securing her travel to the US. Although the Trump administration lifted this requirement for World Cup ticket holders last month, the timing left Evora unable to make arrangements for the game.
Jeffries confirmed that the State Department has waived the visa fees, enabling Evora to attend Cape Verde’s upcoming match against Uruguay this 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,”
“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.
“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.”
Vozinha, aged 40, is a prominent figure in Cape Verdean football and has served as the national team’s starting goalkeeper for over a decade. He has garnered attention during this World Cup, contributing to the team’s first-ever point and gaining millions of followers on social media.
“I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and unfortunately they were not here; they died a few years ago,”
he shared after the match on Monday.
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
