Moncada Steps Down from Condepor, Teases Major Football Comeback: “Catracha Fans Will Be Surprised!”
Honduras’s football landscape is buzzing as Mario Moncada, a prominent figure in the sport, announces his departure from his role as president of Condepor, the National Sports and Recreation Directorate. But don’t expect Moncada to fade into the background. He’s not just leaving a legacy; he’s gearing up for a significant return to the football scene, promising a surprise for “catracha fans” – a term affectionately used for Honduran football enthusiasts.
Moncada, who has been a driving force behind significant infrastructure improvements in Honduran sports, expressed his satisfaction with his tenure. “I feel happy, there is no reason to be sad,” Moncada stated, reflecting on his time at Condepor.He highlighted the trust placed in him by President Castro, emphasizing the tangible achievements during his leadership.
“We leave a legacy that is difficult to overcome.I feel that we do not owe it to the Honduran people, if it refers to sports. Here we leave you this beautiful field with hybrid grass, with a totally new sector and we finished a shopping center, apart from the other stadiums that we built, the academy that we have, many things…But that was not Mario Moncada, it was President Castra who trusted us.”
This sentiment underscores a collaborative effort, but Moncada’s personal imprint on the sport is undeniable. The development of state-of-the-art facilities, including hybrid grass fields and modernized stadiums, speaks volumes about his commitment to elevating the playing experience for Honduran athletes. This focus on infrastructure mirrors the ongoing investments seen in American sports, from minor league baseball stadium renovations to the cutting-edge training facilities adopted by NFL and NBA franchises.
Though, Moncada didn’t shy away from offering a stark warning to the incoming authorities. He stressed the critical need for “continuity and maintenance” of the projects initiated under his watch. His frustration was palpable when discussing the current state of some facilities.
“I do not share the decision of the mayor of Choluteca who has the Fausto Flores Lagos stadium locked so that we would not enter,” Moncada lamented. He also pointed to the “completely abandoned” San Pedro Sula stadium under the stewardship of ‘Pollo’ Contreras and the neglected Juticalpa stadium, where his team had to intervene to “give it life.” This highlights a recurring challenge in sports management globally: ensuring that enterprising projects don’t fall into disrepair due to a lack of follow-through.It’s a scenario that resonates with communities in the U.S. that have seen public sports facilities struggle with underfunding and neglect.
Beyond Condepor: A New Chapter in Football
While his chapter with the LIBRE Party has officially closed, Moncada is far from finished with the sport he clearly loves. At 58, he remains an active participant and is brimming with enthusiasm for what’s next.
“Today as prime minister of sports I have there’s no doubt whatsoever that we have left a history marked with golden letters,” Moncada declared. “I am putting an end to this history with LIBRE, I am starting new projects and very soon you will realize it. I cannot retire from football as I am a football man. You will be surprised with my new project, I will soon make it public.”
This declaration is a clear signal that Moncada’s influence on Honduran football is far from over. The anticipation for his “new project” is already palpable, and the promise of a surprise for fans suggests a venture that could shake up the domestic scene. Could it be a new club, a revamped league structure, or perhaps an innovative youth development program? The possibilities are as exciting as they are numerous.
The Moncada Family Legacy: A footballing Dynasty in the Making?
Adding another layer to this unfolding narrative is the mention of Moncada’s grandson, Dereck Moncada. The 18-year-old footballer has already made his mark, scoring his first goal in colombia. This achievement is a source of immense pride for Mario Moncada, who has been a mentor to his grandson since childhood.
“I told him since he was 5 years old… I told Dereck not to worry because he was going to become a reference in football in this country,that he was going to play on the team he wanted,” Moncada shared,his voice filled with emotion. “Today at 18 years old, see where we have him, he has a lot of talent, I have told him to always maintain that humility, but not to take away his vision of what he wants.”
The story of Dereck Moncada’s rise is a compelling one, echoing the journeys of many young athletes in the U.S. who benefit from strong family support and early guidance. the parallels to athletes like LeBron James, whose father was a significant influence, or the Mahomes family, with Patrick Mahomes and his father’s athletic background, are striking
