Veikkausliiga defender Kelvin Pires returns to SJK after representing Cape Verde at the FIFA World Cup

Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho centre-back Kelvin Pires has resumed his domestic duties after becoming only the second Veikkausliiga player ever to be named to a FIFA World Cup squad.

Pires lined up for Cape Verde in Qatar during the tournament that concluded on Sunday, helping the half-million-resident nation secure a draw against Spain and a narrow extra-time defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16.

The 26-year-old, now back at OmaSP Stadion, said the month-long experience was “something hard even to believe.”

“I faced world-class players and top teams every day,” he said. “I just tried to soak it all in.”

Pires is the second Veikkausliiga player ever selected for a World Cup, following Abdalla El Said’s inclusion while at Kuopion Palloseura in 2018. Despite not making a match appearance, Pires said he accepted his role.

“My defenders played very well, so there was no reason to change anything,” he said.

He emphasised pride in Cape Verde’s breakthrough run, which put the archipelago nation on the global map.

“Before the tournament nobody knew our country. Now we have four years to keep improving and show we can compete with the best,” Pires said.

Cape Verde’s surge is expected to boost tourism and economic visibility, though Pires cautioned the full impact remains unclear.

“We don’t yet understand all the doors this has opened for our country. It could mean the start of a new, better era,” he said.

Pires received a hero’s welcome on his return to Boa Vista, where fans lined the airport to greet the squad.

“It was overwhelming,” he said. “They’ve followed my career closely, and I felt immense pride representing our small community on the world stage.”

At club level, Pires is focused on turning around SJK’s season. Saturday’s visit from league leaders KuPS presents an immediate challenge.

“I’ve trained with the team this week and I’m ready to fight for SJK again,” he said, adding his thoughts remain partly in Qatar.

SJK will receive an estimated €200,000 solidarity payment from FIFA for Pires’s participation, according to majority owner Raimo Sarajärvi.

“It’s a significant sum but won’t transform the club’s finances,” Sarajärvi said.