The 24-year-old won everything he could in Switzerland with Basle, claiming five league titles and three Swiss Cups, and also played Champions League and Europa League football.
However, he believes England's top flight represents a whole new test.
"This is a new challenge for me and I am looking forward to it," he said.
"Playing in Basle, we won everything in Switzerland, and I played in the Champions League and Europa League.
"Now I have a new challenge in England and, for me, it is the best league."
Cabral and his fellow new signings have begun pre-season training at Sunderland and the Cape Verde-born midfielder has been impressed by manager Paolo Di Canio.
He said: "The coach is outstanding. First he was a big player, now a great coach. He gives everything for the team.
"I like the coach. He is passionate and always wanting the team to do better."
Cabral is well aware of the level of support at the Stadium of Light and is looking forward to running out there for the first time.
"In Basle, there are passionate fans - around 20,000 or so per game - but this is different," he said.
"Every game we play, the fans are always there and that is important for the team. In the game, I battle for the fans."