Vozinha’s arrival at Colo-Colo on August 2 caused huge excitement among fans. The 40-year-old goalkeeper - a legend in his native Cape Verde gained acclaim for his outstanding performances at this summer’s World Cup. He was the hero of the Blue Sharks’ tournament debut, making seven crucial saves to keep a clean against the eventual champions, Spain.
He followed that with another shutout against Saudi Arabia in the final group stage game. Cape Verde’s World Cup adventure came to an end in the first knockout round, a 3-2 defeat to Argentina after extra-time. Vozinha and his teammates received a heroes’ welcome by hundreds of fans on their return home.
Now a household name, the veteran keeper attracted a host of suitors after his contract with Portuguese second tier club Chaves expired while the World Cup was in progress.
On August 3, Vozinha signed a a six-month contract with Colo-Colo - the deal included an option of a one-year extension. He toasted his debut with a clean sheet as Fernando Ortiz’s men beat Unión Española 3-0 in the Copa Chile on August 26. His league debut came on September 6 - another game without conceding.
He was finally beaten in his third outing - a 1-1 draw against Deportes Concepción but his progress was hampered by an international call-up. By the time he returned, Vozinha had fallen down the pecking order.
He is now behind younger teammates Gabriel Maureira and Eduardo Villanueva. And playing time will be at a premium now that Fernando de Paul has returned to training after a lengthy spell out with a hamstring injury.
Today, Vozinha’s place in the squad increasingly uncertain and looking as though he might leave when his contract expires in December. A clause in his contract stipulates that he must play at least 50% of the team’s games to automatically trigger a one-year renewal. So far, his game time stands at 25%.
Other commitments don’t help his cause. Aside from his duties with the national team (two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Liberia next month), Vozinha will travel to London for the Ballon d’Or gala on October 26 as one of the nominees for the Yashin Trophy.
With just seven fixtures left before the end of the year (eight if Colo-Colo make it to the Copa Chile final), it doesn’t look like Vozinha will reach his 50% target to renew - especially if he is not getting any continuity.
All of that points to the veteran keeper and World Cup hero moving on in the New Year.