Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha has joined Chilean side Colo Colo but will be required to change his name for league registration purposes, according to reports from Chilean media. The Liga de Primera, the top flight of Chilean football, regulations stipulate that players must display a surname – either maternal or paternal – on their jerseys, prohibiting the use of nicknames.
Vozinha, which translates to ‘little voice’, is a nickname and therefore does not comply with the league’s rules. The player’s full name is Josimar José Évora Dias, and he is expected to register with the league as Évora Dias. This name is likely to resonate with fans of Cesária Évora, the iconic Cape Verdean singer, and the broader ‘Sodade’ musical tradition.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper arrives at Colo Colo with a wealth of experience, having previously played for clubs in Portugal and Cape Verde. He recently represented Cape Verde in international competition, showcasing his continued ability despite his age. Vozinha’s signing is seen as a significant boost for Colo Colo, providing experienced competition for their current goalkeeping options.
Colo Colo will be hoping Vozinha’s experience can help solidify their defense as they compete in the Chilean Primera División and potentially continental competitions. The change of name is a minor administrative hurdle, but the club will want to ensure a smooth integration for their new signing as they prepare for the upcoming season. The club has not commented on whether the player has any concerns about the name change.
