Cuiabá has been working to accelerate the transition of their young players to the professional team, with 13 youth players participating in activities with the first team this season. Nine of these players have received opportunities in official matches, including Aiyran, who scored 30 goals in the youth formation and became the youngest player to score for Cuiabá in the Série B. Aiyran's recent call-up to the Brazilian U-17 national team preparation is a testament to the club's youth development efforts.
Ceará, on the other hand, has also been investing in their youth categories, with 11 players from their youth team currently part of the professional team. The club's "Formando Dribladores" project aims to develop the creativity of their players, and they have seen success in this area, reaching the final of the Brasileirão B Sub-20 and securing promotion to the Série A category. Ceará's director of youth development, Israel Portela, emphasizes the importance of a sustainable and clear methodology in developing young players.
The match between Cuiabá and Ceará this Saturday will be a closely watched contest, with both teams looking to gain an advantage in the Série B standings. The Cuiabá vs Ceará match will take place at the Arena Castelão, with kick-off scheduled for 15h (MT) and 16h (Brasília).