The Cape Verdean Football Federation has officially announced the appointment of Humberto Bettencourt as the new coach of the Blue Sharks ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The 51-year-old has succeeded Bubista, who left the national team to take charge of Moroccan club RS Berkane.
Bubista resigned as the coach of Cape Verde in August 2026 after leading the national team to a historic round-of-32 appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He guided Cape Verde through a stunning debut World Cup campaign, securing draws against Spain and Uruguay before falling to Argentina in extra time. Bettencourt had worked as Bubista’s assistant for six years and was an important part of the technical team behind Cape Verde’s rise in international football, including their impressive debut at the 2026 World Cup.
The Cape Verdean Football Federation has opted for continuity rather than a complete change of direction, with Bettencourt already familiar with the squad, playing philosophy and structures that helped deliver one of the country’s greatest sporting achievements.
His first major assignment will be preparing Cabo Verde for their upcoming 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with important matches scheduled during the September and October international windows.
Cape Verde have key fixtures scheduled during the September and October windows, giving Bettencourt little time before his first competitive tests as head coach.
The Blue Sharks will be expected to use their World Cup experience as a platform for further progress on the African stage. Their performances in 2026 demonstrated an ability to compete with elite opposition, but maintaining that level over a full qualifying campaign will provide a different challenge
