Botche Cande: Guinea-Bissau midfielder joins Serbia’s Javor-Matis on long-term deal

Guinea-Bissau midfielder Botche Cande has joined Serbian side Javor-Matis from Estrela U23, signing a contract until 30 June 2029.

The 22-year-old central midfielder moves to the Prva liga Srbije club after a spell in Portuguese football, where he has built up senior experience across the lower divisions and cup competitions. Standing at 1.87m and predominantly right-footed, Cande is expected to operate in the centre of the pitch for his new team.

Cande spent last season on loan at Lusitano Evora from Estrela U23 before returning to the Lisbon club earlier this summer. He had initially arrived at Estrela U23 in 2024 on a free transfer from FC Serpa, continuing a pathway that has taken him from Guinea-Bissau to Portugal and now on to Serbia.

Across league and cup action in Portugal, Cande has accumulated regular game time, including more than 1,000 minutes in Liga 3 and further appearances in the Taca de Portugal and Campeonato de Portugal. His move to Javor-Matis marks his first step into Serbian football and his first contract outside the Portuguese system.

Born in Bissau in January 2004, Cande began his senior career with Uniao Bissau before leaving his homeland in 2022 to join Alcanenense, later moving on to FC Serpa and then Estrela U23. His latest transfer confirms a permanent switch to Javor-Matis, where he is now tied down for the next three seasons.