| National soccer coach leaves Cape Verde | ||||
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João de Deus, who is officially still the coach of the Cape Verdean national soccer selection, returned to his home country, Portugal, last week, along with all of his belongings – a clear sign that his resignation as the national coach is a consummated fact, in spite of the Cape Verdean Soccer Federation’s reluctance to confirm the news.
João de Deus told A Semana sports supplement Lance that he would be residing in Portugal beginning on Wednesday of last week, thus no longer accompanying the daily activities of the national soccer team. Indeed, the decision, which was announced some time ago, comes following the revelation that the coach has not received his monthly salary for over a year because official sponsor GDP stopped making the payments that were used to cover his wage. The coach, however, declined to confirm whether or not his change in residence meant a definitive break with the Cape Verdean national soccer team. “In November we’re going to clarify this question, but for the time being I prefer not to say anything more,” said João de Deus, who is a Portuguese citizen. The official reaction from the Cape Verdean Soccer Federation has also been pushed back to the second half of November. Federation president Mário Semedo, contacted by Lance to confirm whether or not João de Deus will continue at the helm of the national soccer team, said that no official announcements would be made prior to November 15. |
