Mozambique’s most iconic footballer, Elias Pelembe – better known as Domingues – appears to have reached the end of his glittering international career. At 41, the veteran forward and long-time captain of the Mambas has been left out of the latest squad, with head coach Chiquinho Conde signalling little chance of a return.
“I don’t see any possibility of him coming back to this group of players,” Conde said on Wednesday as he unveiled his 25-man squad for September’s World Cup qualifying double-header against Uganda and Botswana.
“It pains me to be associated with his exclusion, but we must remain consistent with our principles. Beyond the player he is, we must also look at the man, and no one is above the institution,” Conde added at a press conference.
A Silent Departure
Domingues, now playing for União Desportiva de Songo, has been absent from recent call-ups. According to Conde, the former captain failed to provide the necessary travel documents in time for earlier qualifiers and has since shown no desire to rejoin the national team.
“He did not call me, nor any of my staff, nor the Federation, nor even the leadership group of captains to explain his absence,” the coach said. “So I assume this lack of respect, especially from a captain and leader, does not help the harmony of a team.”
The words underline what looks to be a quiet, perhaps reluctant, farewell for the man who has been at the heart of Mozambique’s football identity for nearly two decades.
Domingues: Mozambique’s Eternal Captain and a Testament to Football’s Timeless Spirit
In modern football, careers burn bright but often fade quickly. Yet there are rare figures who defy the calendar, rewriting the rules of longevity with enduring passion and consistency. Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Sergio Ramos belong to that elite category. And from Mozambique, Elias “Domingues” Pelembe deserves his place alongside them.
At 41, Domingues remains the golden boy of Mozambican football, a player whose influence transcends the passing of time. In an era where veterans are often reduced to symbolic roles, he has continued to compete, inspire, and lead—a living testament to the timeless beauty of the game.
Following in the Footsteps of Giants
Just like Ronaldo still dazzling at the highest level, or Modrić orchestrating AC Milan’s midfield well into his late thirties, Domingues has carried himself with a grace that bridges generations. He has stood as Mozambique’s heartbeat for nearly two decades, showing that discipline and hunger can outlast the physical decline that forces so many players into early retirement.
His career is studded with honours. In South Africa’s fiercely competitive Premier Soccer League (PSL), Domingues won three titles with three different clubs—a rare feat that underscored his ability to adapt and thrive in new environments. First with Supersport United (2008/09), then with Mamelodi Sundowns (2013/14), and finally with Bidvest Wits (2016/17), he etched his name into the PSL’s golden history.
For the Mambas, Mozambique’s national team, he became more than a player; he was their identity. Wearing the captain’s armband, he embodied belief and resilience for a country hungry for footballing glory.
The Journey Begins in Maxaquene
Domingues’ story began on the dusty streets of Maputo, where his raw skill quickly caught the eye of local scouts. His formative years at Clube de Desportos da Maxaquene laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career. Even in those early days, his technical elegance, vision, and tireless work ethic stood out.
From Maxaquene, he crossed borders and made South Africa his stage. It was there that he transformed into a household name, dazzling fans with his pace, agility, and creativity. And yet, through all the glory, he never lost touch with his roots—remaining a proud Mozambican ambassador wherever he played.
More Than Just Longevity
What sets Domingues apart is not simply the length of his career, but the passion that fuels it. Even as years advanced, he never stepped onto the pitch as if merely ticking off the final chapters. Instead, he played with the fire of a teenager chasing his first dream, leading by example and mentoring the next generation of Mozambican talent.
In that sense, Domingues has mirrored the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo—players who, beyond talent, embody a deep, almost spiritual love for football. For them, the game is not just a profession but a calling, something to be embraced until the very last whistle.
Focus on the Future
While Domingues exits the stage, Mozambique’s attention turns to its new generation. Chief among them is Sporting Lisbon’s rising star Geny Catamo, already a two-time Portuguese league champion. Catamo’s rapid rise has made him the face of the Mambas’ future hopes.
Other notable call-ups include Kimiss Zavala (Marítimo), Diogo Calila (Santa Clara), Keyns Abdala (Chaves), Pedro Santos (Caldas), and Witiness Quembo (Nacional da Madeira), underlining the growing Portuguese connection within the squad.
Mozambique currently sits second in Group G with 12 points, trailing leaders Algeria on 15. Botswana and Uganda follow with nine points each, while Guinea-Conakry has seven and Somalia just one.
Only the group winners secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the four best runners-up head into a play-off to decide Africa’s final spot.
Upcoming Fixtures
5 September: Uganda vs Mozambique – Mandela National Stadium, Kampala
8 September: Mozambique vs Botswana – Zimpeto National Stadium, Maputo
With everything still to play for, Mozambique will look to blend its youthful promise with seasoned campaigners. But one thing seems clear: the “eternal captain” Domingues has likely worn the red of Mozambique for the last time, closing a chapter that defined a generation of Mambas football.
