Eraldo Martins, a referee from Brava who officiates for Sal and dreams of refereeing a National Championship game on his home island

Eraldo Martins’ career in refereeing began in 2018 in the Sal Sports Region, where he served as a center referee until 2020. His passion for soccer and refereeing later led him to the Santiago Sul Sports Region, where he spent two consecutive seasons, in 2021–2022 and 2022–2023.

After two seasons away from the game, the referee from Brava returned to the Sal Sports Region for the 2025–2026 season, resuming his career on Cape Verdean soccer fields.

In the current 2026/2027 season, which has already kicked off with the Opening Tournament, Eraldo Martins continues to referee, determined to use this phase to achieve the goals he still harbors for his career.

Throughout his career, the referee highlights the opportunity to work alongside some of the best professionals in Cape Verdean refereeing, an experience he attributes largely to his time in the two sports regions where he served.

“In refereeing, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the best in Cape Verde, thanks to these two sports regions, which, for me, are the two best in the country: the Sal Region and Southern Santiago,” said Eraldo Martins.

Despite his accumulated experience and the challenges he has already faced, the referee from Brava views the current season as holding special significance. According to him, this could be the last season of his refereeing career, which makes his goals even more important.

The biggest challenge is reaching the National Championship, a goal that represents recognition of the work he has done over the years and the opportunity to participate in one of Cape Verdean soccer’s top competitions.

But there is one dream that holds a special place in Eraldo Martins’ heart: to referee a National Championship match on the island of Brava, his homeland.

More than just a professional goal, this desire represents the chance to return to his island as a national referee and share a memorable moment in his athletic career with his fellow islanders.

Eraldo Martins’ story is also an example of how the people of Brava are making their mark in various sports sectors across Cape Verde, bringing with them their dedication, professionalism, and pride in representing the island.

With the 2026–2027 season underway, the referee from Brava continues to work toward what could be one of the final major chapters of his career: reaching the National Championship and fulfilling his dream of refereeing on his beloved Brava.

MS