Diogo Calila promises quality in his debut for the Mambas

The 26-year-old right-back, Digo Calila from Santa Clara, in the Portuguese first league, will become an international for Mozambique, and is already in Kampala for the matchday 7 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, against Uganda, on September 5.

A native of Seixal, Portugal, with Mozambican roots through family, Calila joins the Mambas after a long wait. After being called up by Chiquinho Conde to join the Mozambique national team, she celebrated her achievement on social media. Soon after joining the team, she took to her official Facebook account to write: "A cry of relief, a cry of I DID IT! On Friday, the dream of wearing the Mambas jersey will come true, I hope it's with a victory. THANK YOU MY GOD. All honor and glory goes to you."

Speaking to the Mozambican Football Federation press, the right-back highlighted the way he was welcomed into the Mambas.

"I was warmly welcomed by my colleagues; I felt at home as soon as I arrived. This is crucial for me to be able to contribute to bringing joy to the Mozambican people and the entire group, to be able to help and achieve our goals. This is our main focus, and I hope to bring much joy to the Mozambican people," said the new Mamba.

 Calila stands out for his intensity, tactical awareness, and offensive-defensive balance. A product of Benfica's youth system, he could bring a new dynamic to the national team down the right flank, writes Lance MZ.

"What I felt was that there was a great sense of unity among all the players. The way they welcome newcomers is crucial for things to go well on the field, for them to perform much better. I think that's the main message I felt from the group and from my arrival here at the national team. It's very easy this way. I'm ready to contribute my quality and bring many joys and victories because that's what we all want.", said Calila.

 Diogo Calila's experience in Portuguese football elevates the competitive level of the national team's right wing. The fact that the Mambas have fielded many players with previous football experience is a plus for Calila's integration, according to the player.

 "I already knew Reinildo, I already knew Guima. I also spoke with them before joining the national team, and they gave me positive feedback. This made me want to come to the Mambas even more. I wanted to convey to the Mozambican people that we will give everything, we will give our all on the field to bring them the greatest joy and achieve many victories because that's what the Mozambican people want and expect from us."said Diogo Calila.

 Diogo Calila began his youth development at Os Belenenses, but it was at Benfica that he won the national youth title. He represented the club from 2009 to 2017, then spent a season with FC Paços de Ferreira's B team. Calila is a pacy full-back, proficient in both positions of the game, and with excellent technical skills.