International News: Cape Verde to become first country to name stadium in honour of Pelé

Photo Credit: Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva – Facebook

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Cape Verde is the first country to rename a stadium in honour of Pelé after FIFA President Gianni Infantino said at Pelé’s funeral in Brazil on Monday that he would ask all FIFA member countries to name one of their stadiums in honour of the Brazilian football icon..

The Republic of Cabo Verde is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands in the Central Atlantic Ocean located between 320 and 460 nautical miles from the westernmost point of Africa. Colonized by Portugal in the 15^th century, Cape Verde became independent in 1975.

Cape Verde Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva said the 15,000-seater Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde built in 2010 and which is located in the outskirts of the capital Praia, will be renamed the Pelé Stadium.

“As tribute and recognition to this figure that makes us all great, I express my intention to name our national stadium, as “Pele Stadium”, an initiative that, I believe, will be followed by several countries around the world,” Prime Minister Correia e Silva said in a Facebook post.

“We have already communicated our intention to FIFA, because it was that institution launching the challenge and we hope to be able to soon concretize this symbolic act.

“Cabo Verde and Brazil have a history and culture that go hand in hand, considering that they are two sister countries, connected by language and very similar identities.

“And with the physical disappearance of Edson Arantes de Nascimento, King Pelé, born Brazilian citizen, who soon became a global figure, icon of masses proving that sport has the power to unite the world, it’s now our wish to pay tribute to him.

“Pelé was and will always be a reference in Brazil, in our Portuguese-speaking countries and in the rest of the world, being an idol that links several generations,” the Prime Minister added.

At the end of his post, he told his social media followers, “We would like to hear your opinion.”

Judging by the responses, not many Cape Verdeans are thrilled.

“It is strange to say the least, asking for an opinion after having communicated Cape Verde’s intention to FIFA. It makes no sense to name the National Stadium in Cape Verde after Pelé, a Brazilian. When are we going to start valuing our own!?,” said Nélida Barreto in her comment.

“I disagree, the National Stadium should pay homage to a National sports figure. It’s sad to think just for political reasons to look pretty in the eyes of FIFA,” Antonio Neves said.

“I have respect for PELE, but it is a genuine disrespect to all Cabo Verde football figures to name the NATIONAL STADIUM OF CAPE VERDE PELE,” Claudio Gonçalves wrote.