There are several noteworthy things about the current Angola side, foremost of which are their hard-fought performances in the CAF qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26™ and the recent qualification for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Notable, too, is the stellar work being done by Pedro Goncalves, their head coach since 2019. On a lighter note, it is also hard not to notice the number of Angola internationals with evocative names: Maestro, Estrela, Fortuna, Modesto… and Show.
If you asked anyone to suggest the ideal attributes for a player named Show, it would be along the lines of a flashy striker capable of making mazy runs and rousing supporters with displays of showmanship. In this case, however, the Angola and FC Dallas player by that name is a selfless defensive midfielder also capable of playing at the back.
Born Manuel Luis da Silva Cafumana, a name he shares with his grandfather, the 25-year-old also inherited the latter’s nickname, with Manuel Luis senior having been a skilled winger known locally as Show. This makes for another captivating story of football as a family tradition. Down through the generations, the show must go on…
“My grandparents are the most important people in my life,” said Show, the grandson, in an interview with FIFA. “My grandfather on my father’s side was also a player and operated on the wing. In the neighbourhood, his on-field exploits were often like a show, and the nickname stuck. With me being his first grandchild, he said: ‘This boy has to be my namesake’. And he also gave me the nickname. That’s where it came from.
“In our country, people often assign names to others,” he added. “A grandfather might name his nephews, his grandchildren. You could choose a name for your child, but growing up on the street, his friends might give him another one. I think it’s a feature of our culture.”
Show is not the kind of player you would describe as a showman. Operating as a No 6, No 8, defender or even traditional midfielder, he is understated and prefers not to risk flamboyant moves or passes in his third of the field, where squandered possession can be very costly.
“I like to organise the play more and be in control,” explained Show. “I don’t like to take too many risks, because the area of the pitch where I operate is very crowded. The more risky dribbles you try, the more likely you are to lose the ball and jeopardise your own team. I’m a more cautious player and try to make things as simple as possible.”
The Luanda native looks up to national team veterans such as Fredy, Bastos and Mabululu, saying: “I’ve learned a lot from them because they’re older and have been around longer than me, so they’ve experienced things that I am yet to,” said Show. “They’ve helped me a lot in this regard, so I want to continue developing as a player and a person.”
Show, Maestro, Estrela, Modesto, Fortuna, Bastos, Mabululu and Fredy all share a dream of taking Angola back to the FIFA World Cup™ in 2026, 20 years after their last appearance. Now, with the tournament expanded from 32 to 48 teams, that goal looks even more tangible.
Currently, As Palancas Negras lie fourth in Group D of the African qualifiers with six points from four games, just two fewer than group leader Cameroon. With six rounds still to go, including direct encounters with all their group opponents, things are still very much in Angola’s hands as they look to fulfil the dreams of their compatriots.
“Yes, we’ve been working hard,” said Show. “As our coach Pedro Goncalves has said, if we want to be one of the big teams in Africa, then we need to battle hard with the best sides and win big games. So, we’ve been working to fulfil our dream and that of the Angolan people: to compete in the World Cup.
“The group is evenly balanced with possibilities for any of the teams, so we’re still dreaming,” added Show. “We’ll fight for as long as we have a chance. My big dream – and I believe that of others in the national team squad – is to take Angola once again to the World Cup. We already took part in 2006, so returning would be a great achievement not only for me, but for the entire generation currently in the national team.”
With Africa’s World Cup qualifiers not set to resume until March 2025, the continent’s attention has turned to the qualifiers for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations. At the 2023 edition, played earlier this year, As Palancas Negras matched their best-ever performance by reaching the quarter-finals. Though the qualifiers for the 2025 AFCON are still ongoing, Angola have already secured their place with four wins in as many games.
“The team’s forte is its attack,” said Show. “We have several youngsters good enough to play in Europe. Of course, what matters most is winning games, regardless of the score. Multiple players have left Angola to ply their trade in Europe, which is beneficial for the national team.”
He himself has amassed considerable experience abroad, despite still being only 25. His stint with French side Lille taught him a great deal, and he now defends the colours of MLS outfit FC Dallas.
“We need to work hard to realise the team’s goals,” he concluded. “FC Dallas is a big club that needs to achieve big things. Maybe one day I can return to Europe, but first I need to focus on the task here in Dallas.”
