Jonathan Buatu’s name is buzzing again, and for good reason. Angola’s national team coach, Pedro Gonçalves, just released his squad list for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Among several familiar faces from Portuguese football, like David Carmo and Pedro Bondo, Buatu really stands out.
The Angolan team, known as the Palancas Negras, has two big matches ahead. They will face Libya on September 1st at 2 PM, then take on Mauritius on September 7th at 11 PM. These games are key on their road to the World Cup. Buatu, a 31-year-old central defender for Gil Vicente, looks set to play a crucial role.
Buatu’s leadership has been clear recently. He captained Angola during the last international break, guiding them to victory in the COSAFA Cup. All signs point to him wearing the captain’s armband again for these next two important matches. This strong leadership isn’t just for his country. He’s also been a captain for his club, Gil Vicente, this season. He led the ‘Roosters’ in their first two league games against Nacional and FC Porto.
With 55 caps for Angola, Buatu’s experience is massive. He remains an absolute certainty for Pedro Gonçalves, showing consistent form for both his club and the national team. There’s no dip in his performance, no matter the stage.
