Alberto Mota Gomes, Cape Verdean football and science pioneer, dies at 91

Alberto Mota Gomes, a prominent figure in Cape Verdean football and a pioneer in hydrogeology, has died at the age of 91 following a prolonged illness.

In the sporting world, Gomes was the first national coach for the Cape Verde national football team, leading the squad during the 1978 Amílcar Cabral Cup. He was a celebrated player for Clube Desportivo Travadores and also played in Coimbra, Portugal, during his university years. As a coach for Travadores, he led the club to undefeated Santiago and Cape Verde championships in the 1972/73 season.

Beyond sports, Gomes was a distinguished academic and scientist. He held a doctorate in Geosciences-Hydrogeology from the University of Aveiro and served as a professor at the University of Cape Verde. He was recognized by the government in 2020 with the 1st Degree Medal of Professional Merit for his foundational work in water resource management and sustainability in the archipelago.