Africa-Press – Mozambique. The Minister of Youth and Sport, Caifadine Manasse, presented a laptop o the young innovator Ivan Selemane, creator of the electronic game Full Games de Futebol, during his recent visit to the city of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado province.
A resident of the Natite neighbourhood, Ivan Selemane has stood out for developing a football video game inspired by the traditional model played on official pitches. The project’s distinctive feature is its focus on national and local teams, countering the trend of many digital games that favour clubs and players from Europe.
Self-taught and born in Pemba, Ivan developed a digital simulator that reproduces the teams and stadiums of the national football championship, bringing Mozambican talent into the global gaming universe with his “Moçambola Virtual”.
Ivan had presented his project to the minister at the start of his visit to the province, highlighting the lack of a computer as the main obstacle to expanding and refining his work. Moved by the story, Caifadine Manasse committed to finding a solution before leaving Cabo Delgado — a promise fulfilled days later.
“As a government, under the guidance of the President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, we have the responsibility to identify, mentor, and support young creators. We need to stay close to talent and provide the conditions for it to grow,” said the minister.
The delivery of the equipment was made possible in coordination with institutional partners. Ivan Selemane is studying Information Technology at the Catholic University of Mozambique and receives a scholarship awarded by Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM). According to the minister, the young developer is also guaranteed a professional integration opportunity at the same institution upon completing his studies.
Ivan’s case symbolises the creative potential of Mozambican youth and demonstrates that, with proper support, ideas born in local neighbourhoods can gain national prominence and contribute to the country’s technological development.
Below is the DW Africa report on Ivan Selemane (or Selimane), published around two weeks ago. Watch the video.
Passion for sport inspires Ivan Selimane to create virtual football game
Ivan Selimane’s passion for sport inspired him to create a virtual football game closely resembling popular international titles, but featuring teams and players from Mozambique’s national football championship.
“I thought and thought again. In Brazil, they have their own games, in other continents and countries, but Africa — especially our country, Mozambique — had nothing like this,” Ivan said.
“I saw that Mozambique has great potential, many players competing internationally. That’s where it all started on that little computer,” added the second-year IT student. He explained that the main goal of the project is to promote Mozambique through national football.
“This version is inspired by the 2025 Moçambola edition. I started programming, kept programming and, thank God, it worked — the risk paid off, as they say. I developed everything with all my love and care,” Ivan told DW.
He said one of the biggest challenges in creating the game was adapting Mozambique’s stadiums, many of which have facilities below international standards, especially the pitches.
Although the game is now accessible, it is not yet fully completed. The main remaining task is to finalise the players’ faces, a process that depends on the availability and cooperation of the athletes themselves.
Ivan’s mother, Jânia Selimane, expressed her pride in her son’s talent. “When he said he wanted to be in IT, I knew he had chosen a good path. For example, he created a game and would always say, ‘Mum, come see, mum, come see,’ because he wouldn’t stop working on it.”
His friends also recognise his effort and dedication, and believe his work could take him far. “Honestly, his work is something I really admire. It focuses strongly on promoting Mozambican sport, especially football.”
One of Ivan’s ambitions, despite living with a motor disability, is to gain support from brands that already sponsor Moçambola, such as Electricidade de Moçambique and Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique. “No one grows alone. We know that. If an opportunity comes, I am ready. That is why I created the game — to gain recognition nationally and internationally,” he said.
The young inventor hopes to officially present his creation at the opening ceremony of this year’s championship.
Source: Ministério da Juventude e Desporto/ Press Release with additional info from Notícias and DW Africa
