We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.
The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ...
Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.
Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.
Cape Verde's Prime Minister Dr Ulisses Correira e Silva has announced that the country's national stadium in Praia will be named after world football icon Pele.
The 15,000 seater "Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde", erected in 2010 and opened in 2014 has been the home base of the "Blue Sharks" as Cape Verde's national team is referred to.
In statement published on social media Facebook, Cape Verde's premier stressed that the decision is a spinoff of the historical ties that his country shares with Brazil.
"Cape Verde and Brazil have a history and culture that go hand in hand, considering they are two sister countries, linked by language and very similar identities." the statement read.
"And with the physical disappearance of Edson Arantes de Nascimento, King Pelé, born a Brazilian citizen, who soon became a planetary figure, an icon of the masses showing that sport has the power to unite the world, it is now our wish to pay tribute to him."
"Pelé was and always will be a reference in Brazil, in our Portuguese-speaking countries and in the rest of the world, being an idol that links several generations."
"As a tribute and recognition to this figure that makes us all great, I manifest the intention of naming our national stadium as "Pelé Stadium", in an initiative that, I believe, will be followed by several countries around the world."
FIFA's president Gianni Infantino on monday urged member associations to rename a football facility in their respective countries after Pele who till date is the only player to have won three world cups.
The world's football governing body has also renamed the football pitch in its headquarters "Estadio Pele- FIFA Zurich".
Cape Verde's prime minister is hopeful that several other countries will emulate their action.
"We have already communicated our intention to FIFA, because it was that institution that launched the challenge and we hope to be able to perform this symbolic act soon."
