Flamengo has always been, and continues to be, a star at home. That's why this year, another generation of players who emerged from the club's youth academy were incorporated into the professional squad under coach Andrade. Some of them, however, are still old enough to compete in youth tournaments. This is the case with the Taça Octávio Pinto Guimarães (OPG), where the Gávea team will play the first leg of the quarterfinals against Botafogo on Sunday at Caio Martins Stadium. 

And these players with professional experience should be used at this stage, and they're not complaining. On the contrary, they want to help their teammates from the youth divisions bring the OPG title back to Gávea. After all, Flamengo is the tournament's biggest winner, with six titles, the last two in 2006 and 2007. Left-back Jorbison, just 17, was promoted to the professional team very early, but he welcomes the opportunity to return to the youth ranks, even eyeing a possible opportunity to play for the senior team.

"Lately, when I'm not playing in the professional games, I'm going down to play in the juniors. I see it as very relaxed, especially because I'm still old enough to play in the juniors. Of course, like the other players who go down to play, I'd like to be in the professional games, but it's good to go down to play so we can get into match rhythm, and when Professor Andrade needs us, we'll be even more prepared," analyzed Jorbison.

Since a classic is a classic in any sport and any category, Jorbison and company are very excited about the possibility of facing Botafogo on Sunday at Caio Martins Stadium in the first leg of the OPG Cup quarterfinals. However, the player is cautious and assures that the team must be careful, after all, there will still be the return leg next Wednesday at 16 pm in Gávea.

"We're looking forward to it and, God willing, we'll play a good game and come away with a positive result. But we have to stay calm because it's still the first game," he explained.

In addition to Jorbison, coach Armênio Moura can count on several other players who train with the senior team for Sunday's game. Full-back Rafael Galhardo and playmakers Guilherme Camacho and Erick Flores are almost certain to be present in the derby against Botafogo. Midfielders Airton and Lenon and center-backs Wellinton and Fabrício are also old enough to play, but they are expected to be included in the squad's match against Atlético Mineiro.