The town of Burela, known for its significant fishing port and multicultural character, is home to the largest community of Cape Verdean origin in Spain. This fact generates a unique excitement for the World Cup encounter between the two national teams.
Manuel Mendes Pereira, known in football circles as Manolito, a footballer from Lugo with Cape Verdean roots, explains the duality of feelings in the town. 'We are a bit divided in our hearts, but this time perhaps I'm leaning more towards Cape Verde,' he confesses, while still wishing Spain a great World Cup.
The history of the Cape Verdean community in Burela dates back to the arrival of immigrants in the 1970s and 1980s, drawn by work in fishing and construction. Today, Burela has over 10,000 inhabitants and serves as an example of coexistence, with the Cape Verdean community being the most numerous among more than fifty nationalities.
Manolito emphasizes the importance of this World Cup for the growth of football in Cape Verde, suggesting that participation in the tournament could encourage players with dual nationality to represent the African country. 'This moment, the fact that they can play in a World Cup, will resolve many doubts,' he states.
Burela's situation mirrors that of Villablino, in León, another town with a significant Cape Verdean community. Footballer Valdo, who came through Real Madrid's youth academy and played for the Spanish U-21 team before representing Cape Verde, is an example of this connection.
The optimism surrounding the growth of sports in Cape Verde is reflected in the emergence of new talents like Logan Costa, who plays for Villarreal, and the improvement of infrastructure across the archipelago. 'Football is growing immensely,' assures Mendes.
