Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha addressed the media on Thursday ahead of what could be one of the most consequential weekends in Colo Colo's recent history, expressing full commitment to securing the Chilean Primera División title this Sunday when the club travels to face Ñublense at the Estadio Bicentenario Nelson Oyarzún in Chillán.

Locked In on Ñublense

The 40-year-old shot-stopper, whose full name is Josimar José Évora Dias, made clear there is no room for complacency — even though Colo Colo could be crowned champions before the final whistle, depending on other results. "We are going to fight and do everything to achieve it. We know that in football anything can happen, but our focus is exclusively on that match," he said. "We cannot be thinking about whether we can be crowned at home or away from the Monumental — right now the mind is on Ñublense."

The statement captures the mentality of a squad that has dominated Chilean football for most of 2026. Colo Colo, who have claimed 34 league titles — their last in 2024 — are pushing to add a 35th star to their crest.

A Decision on the Future Can Wait

Vozinha also touched on what his next chapter at the club may look like. The goalkeeper arrived on an initial six-month deal with a 12-month extension option, and hinted that staying on remains a real possibility — but on his own terms. "I came here with the clear intention of playing the Copa Libertadores, but today my focus is one hundred percent on this week, which is vital for everyone and for Colo Colo. The future, we will decide later. I'm not worried about that now — I live in the present, and tomorrow there will be time to talk," he stated.

Should Colo Colo seal the title and qualify for South America's premier club competition, the veteran's ambition to experience the Copa Libertadores would be within arm's reach.

Settling Into Chilean Football

On adapting to life and the game in Chile, the Cape Verde international has found the transition largely positive. "My adaptation has been good. At the beginning it is always difficult, but now I have felt much better, more accustomed. I think Chilean football is very competitive — there are many teams with a great level. I am very happy to be here," he reflected.

Since arriving on August 2, Vozinha has been part of the squad for several matches and competed for the starting berth under coach Fernando Ortiz, who was clear from the outset that no player would be handed the No. 1 shirt on reputation alone.

Warmly Received From Day One

The veteran keeper has been equally effusive about the welcome he received at the club. "Since I arrived here, I was very well received by everyone — the manager, his staff, my teammates and all the people who work at Colo Colo. I have to be grateful for the affection and support they gave me from the first day," he added.

That warmth extended beyond the club's walls. Vozinha also praised Chile itself, noting that he had done his research before making the move. "Before coming, I knew it was the safest country in Latin America. Chileans are very passionate — they love football. Wherever I go, people are very warm to me. I could not have come to a better place. I am very happy," he said.

The World Cup Summer That Changed Everything

Vozinha's move to Chile followed one of the most remarkable individual stories at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He finished the tournament with 18 saves and just five goals conceded — including seven in a landmark goalless group-stage draw against eventual champions Spain, in Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup fixture — before the Blue Sharks pushed defending champions Argentina all the way to extra time in a 3-2 Round of 32 defeat.

His Instagram following, which stood at roughly 50,000 before the tournament, exploded into the tens of millions as the goalkeeper who had frustrated Spain's star-studded attack for 90 minutes became a household name across the globe. He was subsequently nominated for the Yashin Trophy at the 2026 Ballon d'Or alongside Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martínez and Édouard Mendy — a distinction that, by his own account, left him struggling to believe it was real when he first learned the news.

When asked to reflect on an extraordinary twelve months, Vozinha kept his words grounded. "Throughout my entire life I worked very hard. 2026 has been a very good year for me and I can only be grateful to God, to my family, to my national team teammates, to those at Colo Colo, and to all the people around the world who have shown me such incredible warmth."