For the SSL Team Mozambique, where the Indian Ocean is part of daily life, the SSL Gold Cup is more than a competition it is a chance to showcase resilience, talent and ambition on world stage. In 2025, as African nations gather in Grandson for the qualifiers, SSL Team Mozambique will bring together the best Mozambican sailors: Olympic sailors, national champions, and passionate young athletes, to fight for their place among the best in the world.
At the heart of the campaign are Olympian Deizy Nhaquile and helmsman Bartolomeu Ernesto, whose experience and results provide a strong foundation Nhaquile, one of Africa’s standout sailors and now a two-time Olympian (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024) and multiple-time African championinspires Mozambique’s next generation with every race. Ernesto, who began sailing in 2003, pairs Olympic-class racing experience commitment to developing young talent. Around them, other Olympic athletes and seasoned crew members add depth and perspective.
- Representing Mozambique on this global stage of sailing means carrying with me the history, the hope, and the pride of an entire nation. For me, it is not just about competing — it is about proving that a Mozambican girl from humble beginnings can also stand among the best in the world - says Deizy Nhaquile.
- I always dreamed of sailing on a big boat like the SSL Gold Cup, but I used to believe it was a privilege reserved only for athletes from wealthy backgrounds or so-called “first world” nations. I went to two Olympic Games holding on to the hope that someone would one day give me the chance. I watched competitors on social media already sailing these great boats and often asked myself: “Will I ever get there?” - she adds. - I realize two dreams at once: to be on board a boat I always admired, and above all, not to be alone, but surrounded by my Mozambican teammates. That carries enormous meaning for me, for my country, and for my continent.
Around them gathers a dynamic and diverse crew. Denise Parruque and Alcídio Lino carry Olympic ambitions in the 470 class. José Meque Massaze, Guy de Rosario, and Carlos Júnior bring strength from years of 420 competition and national podium finishes. Estaline Sofiano and Myriam Beck, both with transatlantic sailing experience, add resilience and adaptability. Doncaro Bira, a former African medalist and youth sailing mentor, strengthens the team’s legacy by guiding younger sailors. Leonel Estêvão contributes as grinder - drawing on his background as a triathlete, half-marathon runner, and obstacle course racer – while also serving as Communications Lead, carrying Mozambique’s story to a global audience. Team leader Hélio da Rosa Alberto ensures steady guidance, rooted in decades of sailing across Mozambican waters.
Together, these athletes represent a unique mix of Olympic pedigree, youthful ambition, and international experience. Their stories reflect Mozambique itself: resilient, dynamic, and deeply connected to the sea.
As they prepare for the Grandson 2025 qualifiers, SSL Team Mozambique is determined to prove that their nation belongs among the world’s best. With passion forged on Maputo Bay and dreams stretching across oceans, they aim to etch Mozambique’s name into the history of the SSL Gold Cup.
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