Former PSL Star’s Son Earns First International Call-Up

Diego Pelembe has earned his first senior Mozambique call-up, continuing the legacy of his father, PSL legend Elias ‘Domingues’ Pelembe.

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The 17-year-old attacking midfielder was included in coach Chiquinho Conde’s 41-member provisional squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, announced on Monday.

Diego was rewarded after captaining Mozambique’s Under-17 side to their first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification in May, scoring an equaliser against Ethiopia to secure their historic berth, according to Pan-Africa Football.

Diego Follows in His Father’s Footsteps

The teenager’s call-up comes months after his father retired from international football at 42, following Mozambique’s elimination from the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.

Diego will be hoping to emulate his father’s international career when the Mambas regroup for their Group J qualifiers, starting with an away match in Senegal on 25 September.

Elias Pelembe’s Mozambique Legacy

Elias Pelembe earned 124 caps for Mozambique, the most in the country’s history, over a remarkable 22-year international career, scoring 17 goals for the Mambas between 2004 and 2026.

On the club level, the 42-year-old is a legend in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), having made 363 appearances and scored 40 goals across spells with Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, Polokwane City and Royal AM.

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The Mambas are bidding for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals, which Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will co-host from 19 June to 17 July next year.