Cap Verde has etched its name into the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, continuing a historic journey that began with conquering Ghana and securing a historic draw against the Pharaohs.
The team’s remarkable rise is no happenstance; it is a testament to a well-executed governmental plan that extends its influence across multiple sports, from football to handball and basketball.
In the realm of football, the interest in the sport is not a recent development but traces its roots back to a meticulously crafted government plan initiated years ago.
The Delta Cultura organization played a pivotal role, employing football as a tool for social development.
The strategy aimed to engage children and youth in cultural and educational programs, laying the foundation for Cap Verde’s maiden appearance in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Over time, the Academy of Sports, Education, and Culture (ADEC) evolved, nurturing the skills of numerous children and teenagers.
The unique approach allowed participants to blend formal education with the organization’s cultural and sports initiatives.
The commitment to early professional exposure saw 25 out of 26 players in Cap Verde’s current Africa Cup of Nations squad playing professionally in Europe.
Since 2013, Cap Verde has featured in four out of five Africa Cup of Nations editions, progressing through the group stage in three of them.
This current campaign, however, marks a historic achievement as Cap Verde secures its first-ever victory in the knockout stages.
The success of Cap Verde is not confined to the Africa Cup of Nations alone. In the quest for a spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, they narrowly missed out, finishing as runners-up, just two points adrift of Nigeria.
The prowess of the Blue Sharks extends beyond football.
In handball, Cap Verde has witnessed a significant leap in the last four years.
Their inaugural qualification for the 2020 Africa Handball Cup marked the beginning of a consistent presence.
Despite withdrawing from the subsequent World Cup due to COVID-19, they continued to script history by finishing as runners-up in the 2022 Africa Handball Cup, securing a place in the 2023 World Championship.
Recently, Cap Verde secured the fourth position in the Africa Basketball Championship in 2021, marking their debut in the semi-finals since 2007.
This achievement earned them a ticket to the Basketball World Cup for the first time in history.
Cap Verde’s sporting success is not a stroke of luck.
The nation hosted the Olympic Solidarity Development Program, concluded in August 2022, aimed at refining game strategies, updating methodologies, and enhancing physical skills.
These initiatives have catalyzed significant developments over the years.
As Cap Verde continues to soar on the African sporting stage, its multifaceted success across football, handball, and basketball underscores the potency of a well-conceived governmental plan.
The Blue Sharks have not just emerged as contenders; they have become a symbol of the nation’s resilience, determination, and sporting prowess on the global arena.
