Vozinha's Arrival in Chile Delayed by Visa Problems

The highly anticipated arrival of Cape Verdean goalkeeper Josimar 'Vozinha' Dias in Chile has been postponed due to delays in his visa application process. Vozinha, a standout player in the recent World Cup, was scheduled to land in Santiago on Tuesday to complete his medical examinations and sign a contract with Chilean club Colo Colo.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper, whose World Cup performances earned him a spot in FIFA's fan-voted ideal eleven, reportedly agreed to a six-month deal worth $25,000 per month, with an option for a one-year extension. He joins Colo Colo as a free agent after his contract with Portugal's second-division club Chaves concluded. Vozinha reportedly chose Colo Colo for the guaranteed playing time, which he lacked in other offers that focused more on his marketability.

Vozinha's global profile has surged following his impressive World Cup displays, including a goalless draw against Spain and a narrow 3-2 loss to Argentina in the round of 16. His signing has already had a notable impact on Colo Colo's social media presence, with the club's Instagram followers increasing by 70,000 since the announcement, reaching 2.7 million. The welcome post for Vozinha broke club records, garnering 1.3 million likes.

Colo Colo pursued Vozinha after negotiations with Uruguayan goalkeeper Santiago Mele, who will play for Argentina's Independiente, failed. The club's management, led by president Anibal Mosa, acknowledges the marketing appeal of Vozinha but emphasizes his strong World Cup performance. However, a unique challenge arises from Chilean league regulations, which prohibit the use of nicknames on the back of jerseys, potentially impacting the sale of merchandise bearing 'Vozinha.' Coach Fernando Ortiz confirmed that Vozinha will compete for the starting position with young goalkeeper Gabriel Maureira.