Cape Verde, Morabeza… Your Warm Welcome!

Like a light piercing the distant horizon, and as an inseparable indicator of the perennial philosophical problem of Sport – as a movement towards transcendence or overcoming, in the promotion and development of personality, as an expression of will where blood, flesh, emotion, desire, and passion can emerge (Sérgio M.) – it was through the guidance of my esteemed PROFESSOR that, over the past nine years, a response was found to the invitation from His Excellency the President of the Republic and the Government of Cape Verde, then Dr. Jorge Carlos Fonseca. This involved several sessions held in the grand hall of the presidential palace, the auditorium of the Cape Verdean Football Federation, and the government palace.

The first topic was titled The Power of Optimism: The Flame for Success. It aimed to frame a dynamic force in combating pessimism, often triggered by crisis situations, by developing and illustrating the main sources for achieving success.

The subsequent theme, Preparing to Win, focused on characterizing and developing the evolution of football, evaluating and periodizing the sports season, observing and analyzing the game, and preparing for competition. It concluded with practical strategic orientations commonly used by individuals and teams that have won European championships (roller hockey and football), achieved promotion to the first division and won titles, as well as securing a third-place finish and Champions League access for a team whose initial season objectives were merely survival (Futebol Clube Paços de Ferreira under Paulo Fonseca). This was further supported by other studies derived from fieldwork in successful clubs.

Another topic explored was the issue of Exercise and Physical Activity for Health, highlighting the most representative physical activities for preventing and recovering from related pathologies, presenting significant examples.

A further presentation and discussion focused on Injuries – Footballers' Worst Enemy. This session considered predisposing factors for sports injuries, psychological factors associated with injury prevention and recovery, psychological assessment and diagnosis of injuries, and strategies for the physical and psychological support and recovery of injured athletes.

We concluded this series of conferences with the theme Sport, Culture, Life, and… Celebration. This session elaborated on the historical and evolutionary concept of sport and physical activity and its relationship with the development of the game as a symbol of solidarity. It emphasized the commitment of players, coaches, referees, officials, and spectators, advocating for the principles of fair play as a school of virtues for life preparation, fostering notions of friendship, respect for others, and combating cheating, doping, excessive commercialization, and corruption.

The content of the debated topics stemmed from my publications, which publishers Bertrand, Asa, and Prime Books greatly honored by making them public, linking them to practical and pedagogical life in coach training and my university career.

A group of trainees, enveloped by a healthy competence in both affective and attentional fields, renewed the hope of making each day a growth in enthusiasm. Composed of Physical Education and Sports teachers, coaches from various disciplines, university lecturers, national selectors, Olympic athletes, magistrates, military officers, and others, we agreed to stimulate and promote the capacity for reflective thought, bridging scientific culture with humanistic culture.

Before such unique figures in a society where nobility of conduct, civility of man, and dignity of the citizen reside, I could never remain silent, impassive, or unpredictable.

Thus, I am compelled to evoke the grandeur of the Cape Verdean people, reflected in the subtle nuance of their gaze. From what I gathered, they possessed an unusual cultural capacity, whose identity traits bordered on nobility, dismissed apathy, and strengthened enthusiasm. The elegant, dignified, and generous way they welcomed me undoubtedly left a profound mark on the history of my life.

Guided tours of facilities dedicated to physical activity, especially the National Stadium, revealed a meticulous attention to detail, showcasing reconstructed amenities imbued with heartfelt passion. It was truly contagious to witness the dedication of those who see their work as a golden opportunity. As a farewell, they presented me with an Olympic torch symbol and an expression that will forever resonate in my heart: "morabeza," their warm hospitality!

Therefore, I celebrated with immense joy the presence of the Blue Sharks in this World Cup, etching into history their progression to the round of 16 in their debut, with three draws in the group stage and an epic extra-time battle against the reigning world champions, Argentina.

It's worth noting the colossal way a structure composed of simple and humble people made the flag of 10 golden stars their sacred symbol. Without seeking shortcuts or easy paths, they carried the footprints of lived experience in their souls and displayed the colors of hope, as vast as the sea, in their eyes!

SING, MY BROTHER, SING!