Kafunga Explained

Kafunga
Fullname:Olavo Leite de Bastos
Birth Date:August 7, 1914
Birth Place:Niterói, Brazil
Death Place:Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Position:Goalkeeper
Years1:1935 - 1955
Clubs1:Atlético Mineiro

Olavo Leite de Bastos, commonly known by the nickname Kafunga (August 7, 1914[1]  - November 17, 1991[1]), was an association footballer who played goalkeeper, who spent his entire career defending Atlético Mineiro.

Career

Born in Niterói, Kafunga began playing football with local side Fluminense Atlético Clube (Niterói).[2] He started his professional career with Atlético Mineiro, and made his debut in a friendly defeat 2 - 0 by Villa Nova in 1935.[1] Despite the defeat, his performance was not criticized, as he prevented his club from suffering more goals.[1] In his second game for the club, his performance was praised, and Atlético Mineiro beat Flamengo 4 - 0.[1] He helped his club win the Campeonato Mineiro in 1936, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1942, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954 and in 1955.[1] He retired in 1955, after having played 667 games for the club in two decades.[1] After his retirement, he worked as a football commentator and as a deputy.[1]

Death

Kafunga died on November 17, 1991, in Belo Horizonte, after suffering five strokes.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Enciclopédia do Futebol Brasileiro Lance Volume 1 . Aretê Editorial S/A . Rio de Janeiro . 2001 . 104. 85-88651-01-7.
  2. Book: Placar. Do tempo do Kafunga. 194. Portuguese. April 2010.