Cape Verde goaltender, mother to be reunited in time for World Cup match, Jeffries says

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday the mother of Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha has secured a visa to join her son ahead of the team’s next FIFA World Cup match.

Jeffries wrote in a statement that he spoke to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department “to do everything in their power to ensure” Vozinha’s mother could attend his next match.

Vozinha, whose real name is Josimar Dias, received player of the match honors thanks to his seven saves in Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw against Spain on Monday. The Spaniards were one of the pre-tournament favorites to win the World Cup, while Cape Verde is the sixth-lowest ranked team in the 48-country tournament.

After the match, an emotional Vozinha said his mother could not attend due to visa issues.

“My mum could not be here either for a visa issue, and the money we had to pay for it,” the 40-year-old told reporters, according to The Athletic. “We did not manage to do this in time.”

But Jeffries, who is of Cape Verdean ancestry, said it was “privilege” to announce that the goalie’s mother “will be able to secure a visa in time” to attend Cape Verde’s game on Sunday against Uruguay. The match is set for 6 p.m. EDT at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.

“All fees have been waived consistent with official policy. Travel arrangements are now being made for mother and son to reunite in Miami.”

The New York lawmaker specifically thanked Rubio, State Department officials, the government of Cape Verde and FIFA “for working together to make this possible.”

A State Department official told The Hill Tuesday the department “has no record” of Vozinha’s mother applying for a visa.

“All relatives of players are eligible for visa bond waivers, and the Department is actively reaching out to this player’s family to assist with visa services,” the official added.

The Hill has reached out to the State Department regarding the latest announcement from Jeffries.

Cape Verdean citizens or nationals typically must pay a bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 to enter the U.S., according to the department. But the Trump administration waived the requirement for athletes, coaches, support staffers and immediate relatives of those competing in the World Cup.

After its match against Uruguay, Cape Verde will face Saudi Arabia for its final Group H match on June 26 in Houston.

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Hakeem Jeffries

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