Cabo Verde’s national football coach, Pedro Brito, known as ‘Bubista’, has sparked an outpouring of national pride and recognition after being named African Coach of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This prestigious award follows the small island nation’s unprecedented qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under his leadership.
President José Maria Neves and Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva led the chorus of congratulations for the 55-year-old coach. Their messages highlighted the profound impact of Bubista’s achievement on the country.
Prime Minister Correia e Silva praised the distinction on Facebook. He called it a “deserved distinction” and “an enormous stimulus” for the national team, known as the ‘Blue Sharks’, as they prepare for the World Cup.
He added that Bubista demonstrated “a true lesson in leadership and humility,” consistently prioritizing the collective over individual egos. President Neves also took to Facebook, simply stating, “Congratulations, Bubista, the best of Africa.”
Bubista expressed his profound gratitude for the award. “This is incredible,” he said, “I want to thank my family, the technical team, the athletes, and the people of my country. We are a small country, but with a huge heart.”
The President of the Cape Verdean Football Federation (FCF), Mário Semedo, told Rádio de Cabo Verde (RCV) that this recognition extends beyond Bubista. He stated it is “a recognition for all Cape Verdean coaches.”
Carlos Monteiro, the Minister-adjunct for Youth and Sport, echoed this sentiment. He described the honor as “a victory for all the Cape Verdean people.”
CAF announced Bubista as the best African coach for 2025 on Wednesday. He surpassed Moroccan coaches Walid Regragui, who manages the senior national team, and Mohamed Ouahbi, coach of the U-20 squad.
Bubista succeeds Ivorian coach Emerse Faé, who won the previous award.