Africa Youth Cup Female MVP to Return to Spain Through Support of Cabo Verde Sports Ministry
Photo: AYC Female MVP 2023, Mayra (Thais) and Ravi Daswani of RD Global Sports Spain.
The Africa Youth Cup continues to pave international pathways for rising African football talents as Mayra (Thais) the 2023 Female Category Most Valuable Player, prepares to return to Spain for the next phase of her football and academic development.
Mayra (Thais), a standout player from Delta FC Praia (Cabo Verde), first travelled to Spain in 2024 for a trial programorganized through a partnership between the Africa Youth Cup and RD Global Sports. Her impressive showing during the trials caught the attention of one of the clubs involved. She later returned home to conclude her academic commitments.
Now set for her second journey, Mayra (Thais) will join a combined football and education development program operated by RD Global Sports Spain. The program offers a structured pathway toward professional football while ensuring that young athletes continue to build their academic foundation.
Her upcoming trip is being sponsored by the Honorable Minister of Sports of Cabo Verde, underscoring the government’s dedication to youth empowerment through sports and its confidence in the Africa Youth Cup’s role in creating meaningful opportunities for young athletes. We are most grateful to the Honorable Minister of Sports, Carlos de Canto Monteiro.
Africa Youth Cup organizers commended the coach of Delta FC Praia, Ivanilde G. Barreto for her commitment to nurturing exceptional players. Mayra (Thais) progress is a testament to the tournament’s mission of identifying, nurturing, and connecting African youth to global sporting platforms.
“Mayra (Thais) represents exactly what the Africa Youth Cup stands for—talent, discipline, and ambition. Her journey shows how proper exposure and support can change a young athlete’s life,” tournament organizers noted.
Her return to Spain marks another milestone for the Africa Youth Cup as it continues expanding opportunities for emerging African footballers seeking global development avenues.
