The third team competing in Group C of the SSL Gold Cup Qualifiers is one of the tournament’s most exciting debutants, the SSL Team Mozambique. Representing Africa on one of sailing’s biggest international stages, the Gala-Gala squad approaches this challenge with ambition, determination, and a clear mission: to prove that African sailing belongs among the world’s elite.
Leading the Mozambican crew is Deizy Nhaquile, tactician, two-time Olympian (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024) and six-time African champion. Alongside her is helmsman Bartolomeu Ernesto, who brings more than 20 years of sailing experience, including an 11th-place finish at the 2011 All-Africa Games in Maputo.
“What excites me most about representing Mozambique is being able to show the world the potential of African athletes and take my country’s name even further. I am very proud to represent a beautiful, welcoming country full of talent through sailing, and I also hope more people can discover Mozambique and feel inspired to visit”, said Deizy Nhaquile.
Team Mozambique will compete from June 2–4 in Switzerland, facing Tahiti, Morocco, and Seychelles in a competitive qualifying group. With only two golden tickets available for the next stage, every race will count.
The Mozambican sailors already have valuable experience at the venue. Between August and September 2025, the team trained in Grandson, Switzerland, where they had access to the SSL47, the official competition boat, under the same conditions as the world’s leading sailing nations. The training camp was made possible thanks to the support of the Sailing Athletes Foundation (SAF). During the camp, Team Mozambique also trained alongside the experienced team from Belgium and the emerging squad from El Salvador.
“Our team preparations have intensified individually and collectively. We do not have this category of boat here in Mozambique, but we do have some boats that are similar. I have intensified my training at sea as well as in the gym to be in shape for this competition and for us to give our best in this qualification”, said José Massaze, Floater.
“It has been serious teamwork. A lot of training, video analysis, and adaptation to European conditions. We are focused and motivated”, added Carlos Lino, Trimmer.
For Mozambique, this campaign is about more than just qualification. It is an opportunity to inspire a new generation of sailors back home and to put African sailing on the global map. The team understands the scale of the challenge ahead, but confidence inside the squad continues to grow.
“I feel motivated and aware of the responsibility ahead of us. We know it will be a demanding competition, with very strong teams, but I believe in the work we have been developing and in our team’s ability to represent Mozambique at the highest level,” said Bartolomeu Ernesto, helm.
“I have a very positive mindset before the qualifiers begin, and I have good expectations for our team. As a team, we intend to give our maximum to qualify,” highlighted Denise Parruque, mid-bow.
As the countdown to the SSL Gold Cup qualifiers continues, Team Mozambique is ready to make history. With talent, preparation, and the pride of an entire nation behind them, the Gala-Gala crew arrives in Switzerland determined to fight for their place among the best in the world.