Mozambican international Elias Gaspar Pelembe, or simply Dominguez in football circles, is ending his career after more than 20 years on the big stages of football.
Dominguez, who has represented União Desportiva do Songo for the last two and a half seasons, may take on new roles with the current national champions and winners of last year’s Mozambique Cup.
With a career marked by many glorious moments at the club level and with the national team, the retirement of the “wonder kid” also marks the end of a legacy he began building while playing for Desportivo de Maputo, the club with which he won the “double” in 2006, winning the Moçambola and the Mozambique Cup, under the management of Uzaras Mahomed.
Dominguez’s career peaked in South Africa, where he represented five clubs, most notably Supersport United, the club that served as his gateway to the top South African football league, Bidvets, and Mamelodi Sundowns.
In South Africa, the Mambas captain won everything there was to conquer, being elected the country’s best player twice. Dominguez shone not only at club level but also for the national team.
Wearing the national team jersey, Dominguez became an idol for several generations and contributed with his leadership and magic to achieving moments of glory. The Mambas captain participated in three African Cup of Nations (CAN) tournaments, in 2010, 2024, and 2025.