Cape Verde head coach Humberto Bettencourt has been appointed to lead the national team, replacing Bubista following Cape Verde’s historic World Cup campaign in North America. The 51-year-old assumes the role after having served for the last six years in the national team fold, first as assistant coach.
Bettencourt was a member of the staff that helped Cape Verde achieve the feat of making their World Cup debut. The island nation became one of the tournament’s shock teams as they moved past the initial rounds into the second round, only to finish in extra time against Argentina. The Cape Verdean Football Federation confirmed his appointment, but did not say how long his contract will last or what the compensation will be.
That’s part of the reason why the transition took place so easily for Bettencourt’s team, as he’s well acquainted with the team. He has had experience with the national team for a few years and been associated with the team that had Cape Verde’s best World Cup result ever.
The appointment also fills the void left by the exit of Bubista. After World Cup, Bubista had to leave his job and take the plunge at Moroccan club Renaissance Berkane.
Cape Verde has made good use of their time at the event and it’s now up to Bettencourt to capitalise on that. For a nation with their first time at the world’s biggest international football event, the team made a great leap forward when they advanced to the knockout stage.
The new team will be coming in with more world experience and confidence, having played some of the world’s top teams. His next job will be to keep the team as competitive as possible while working on the next generation of Cape Verde’s international project. The federation, being more used to the players and coaching situation, has chosen not to make a complete transition.
