Colo Colo seeks approval for Vozinha nickname

Chilean club Colo Colo is seeking approval from the Chilean Football Federation (ANFP) to allow its new goalkeeper, Vozinha, to wear his well-known nickname on the back of his jersey during his expected debut later this month, despite league regulations prohibiting the practice.

Under Chilean football regulations, players' jerseys must display their surname, with the option of including the initial of their first name. The use of nicknames is explicitly prohibited, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

However, Colo Colo president Aníbal Mosa said the club has begun discussions with the ANFP in an effort to secure an exception for the 40-year-old goalkeeper, whose full name is Josimar José Évora Dias.

"We have this issue. I have spoken with the ANFP, and they have shown willingness. The Council of Presidents has been convened for Friday. I have also spoken with several club presidents, and they have expressed support for Vozinha being allowed to play under that name, considering he used it at the most important football event in the world," Mosa said.

Vozinha gained widespread international recognition through his performances for the Cape Verde national team, and he is expected to join Colo Colo on a six-month contract, which includes an option to extend the agreement for a further 12 months.

The goalkeeper is expected to arrive in Santiago on Thursday to complete the transfer.

The nickname "Vozinha," which means "little grandmother" in Portuguese, was given to him during childhood by neighborhood children because, after losing street football matches, he would return home crying to the grandparents with whom he lived.

Before moving to Chile, Vozinha played for Portuguese second-division club Chaves. During his career, he has also played in Angola, Cyprus, Moldova, and Slovakia.

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