Bright future ahead for the dancing debutants from Cape Verde

Ecstacy on Heden after Team Cabos first victory in Partille Cup.

Team Cabo in the G21 class from Cape Verde danced through both rain and opposition as they emerged victorious in the nation's debut match against Torslanda HK in the Partille Cup. The dancing didn't stop at the final whistle; instead, it was strengthened by singing and cheering in the wildly jubilant celebration.
– We are here to enjoy every second, says the team's coach, Flávio Lima, 42.

After a tight and hard-fought first half in heavy rain, the score was tied 3-3 on Heden's court eight. However, in the second half, the strong and physical team from Cape Verde managed to pull ahead, securing a final score of 7-5. A thundering celebration ensued, and many of us couldn't resist the scenes of joy that followed. There was singing, dancing, and applause for several minutes before a happy coach, Flávio Lima, 42, and an even happier goalkeeper, Elga Torres, 19, could spare a few minutes for a victory interview.
– We are very, very happy. It's our first time participating in the Partille Cup, and we won our first match. It couldn't have started better," says Torres.

In fact, not only is this the team's first match in the tournament, but it's also the first time a team from Cape Verde has ever competed in the Partille Cup.
– Handball is a sport that is gradually growing in Cape Verde. This year, the men's national team even qualified for the World Championship in Sweden and Poland. But unfortunately, progress is slower on the women's side. That's why it feels extra special to be here with a young and talented women's team. The girls are fired up," says Lima.

After the match, there are good reasons for the coach to be optimistic about the future of women's handball in Cape Verde.
– We hope to be as successful as the Swedish women's national team one day, concludes Lima.