World Cup personality Vozinha makes his first Colo-Colo appearance in a Copa Chile match

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Goalkeeper Vozinha, who made waves during Cape Verde’s World Cup debut, finally made his debut for Chilean giants Colo-Colo on Wednesday in a Copa Chile match against Unión Española. The 40-year-old veteran, whose real name is Josimar Évora Dias, arrived in South America on August 2, following Colo-Colo’s announcement of his signing on July 24.

Paperwork complications and personal issues had delayed his arrival three times, causing both fan and team officials anxiety. Upon his arrival, Vozinha swiftly joined training alongside the domestic leaders, who currently lead their division by 13 points over Universidad de Chile. Since his arrival, the Cape Verdean keeper has been part of three matches, including the "Superclásico" against Universidad de Chile at the National Stadium, though he sat on the bench in that particular game.

He faces stiff competition for the starting role, as regular goalkeeper Fernando De Paul is recovering from injury, leaving 19-year-old academy product Gabriel Maureira as the team’s starter. Coach Fernando Ortiz made it clear during a pre-match media conference that Vozinha will not be awarded the starting position but must earn it on merit.

"It will be a great competition between Vozinha, Gabriel, and the other players," Ortiz stated. "A big name doesn’t change my perspective; whoever proves deserving will earn the starting spot." Vozinha’s journey to Colo-Colo began after his time with Chaves in Portugal’s second division. During the World Cup, he made a significant impact, providing crucial saves against high-profile teams like Uruguay, eventual champions Spain, and Messi’s Argentina, who eliminated Cape Verde in the round of 32.

His stellar performance led to a surge in his social media following, skyrocketing from just under 50,000 before the tournament to over 29 million.