The club Calipolense, from Vila Viçosa, will hold on September 18 the first edition of the Rafael Canhoto Cup, a tournament that aims to honor in life a figure considered unavoidable in the recent history of the club. The event takes place at 9:30 PM, at the João Figueiredo Sports Field, and features the participation of the Under-15 teams of Calipolense, Redondense and CF Estremoz, in a triangular format justified by the fact that it is eleven-a-side football and by the limited time available.
The initiative was created by a Calipolense member and aims to be a moment of recognition for the career of approximately 30 years of Rafael Canhoto at the service of the club. According to president João Talhinhas, Rafael Canhoto was director for many years and recently left the position due to age, having over the decades given a lot for the emblem of Vila Viçosa and for football in the district of Évora.
João Talhinhas highlighted that Rafael Canhoto managed to captivate many generations of young people for football, accompanying and supporting players who today, already adults, continue to hold him in great esteem. The president argued that tributes should be made while people are alive, considering that this distinction is something the club really needs to give to someone with such a remarkable career.
The intention of Calipolense is to transform the Rafael Canhoto Cup into an annual tradition, held at the beginning of each sports season. The age category may vary from year to year, being able to be beginners, children or youths, depending on circumstances. João Talhinhas guaranteed that the tribute will continue to be made for, at least, as long as Calipolense wants, seeking to keep alive the recognition for the contribution of Rafael Canhoto to the club.
