Cape Verde internationals had a productive week for their European clubs, featuring in several important victories. Wagner Pina and Sidny Lopes Cabral both started in Trabzonspor's 2-0 Süper Lig win over Beşiktaş on 19 October. This win contributed to the club's strong run of form, as they currently sit third in the league table, just five points off the top, following a recent run of three wins and a draw from their last four league matches.
Jamiro Monteiro came on in the 76th minute of NEC Nijmegen's 4-2 Europa League win over Dinamo Zagreb. Back at Trabzonspor, the two Cape Verdean defenders were again involved midweek. The Turkish side beat Heart of Midlothian 2-0 in the Europa Conference League. Pina was introduced in the 70th minute, while Cabral started and played the full match before being sent off late in the game.
These regular club performances are a positive sign for manager Bubista as he prepares the team's next outing. The Cape Verde national team is next in action on 11 November, hosting Liberia in a friendly.
The players' current form is encouraging, particularly for the defence where Pina and Cabral operate. The upcoming FIFA window will allow the coach to closely assess the physical and mental condition of this core group, who remain active in Europe's major competitions.
