José Veiga

Portugal and Spain

Born in Lisbon, Veiga was brought up in local S.L. Benfica's youth system, but only managed to be third choice in the 1995–96 season. He then spent two years with neighbouring Alverca in the second division, after which he moved to Spain and joined Levante UD in the country's third level. With the Valencian team Veiga rarely missed a game, being essential in their promotion in his first season, as champions, and helping them maintain their division two status in the following three years. In the January transfer window of 2001–02, he was loaned to Real Valladolid in La Liga, but failed to make any competitive appearances. Veiga wrapped up his career in Portugal playing three years for C.F. Estrela da Amadora – in the 2003–04 campaign he had his first and only top flight experience, but the team ranked 18th and last – and one for S.C. Olhanense (second tier).

Tamworth

Veiga trained with English clubs Walsall and Bury, before having trials at Tamworth during the 2006–07 pre-season. He had to wait for international clearance before boss Mark Cooper could bring him to The Lamb Ground but, on 11 November 2006, the player signed for the Conference National side. Despite Tamworth's relegation, Veiga signed a one-year contract extension on 10 July 2007. On 14 March of the following year, it was announced that he would be leaving at the end of 2007–08: he missed most of the campaign after dislocating his shoulder during training, and was told by…

A Cape Verde international since 2004, Veiga had a falling out with the national team's management in March 2007, and was left out of the squad for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Algeria in favour of Ernesto Soares. He did however receive a re-call for the game against Gambia on 16 June, in the same competition. In late May 2010, Veiga was picked for a friendly with Portugal, who were preparing for the FIFA World Cup. As the 117th-ranked team managed an historic 0–0 draw in Covilhã, he remained on the bench.

Levante

Segunda División B: 1998–99 Individual

Tamworth Player of the Year: 2006–07