A team from Tasmania’s Victory League has signed a Mexican midfielder who spent five years learning his craft under current Mexican national team coach Miguel Herrera.
Hector Moreira, 23, has signed for Olympia Warriors and will be eligible as the club’s visa player in three rounds’ time.
Described by the Hobart Mercury as ‘arguably the most high profile international import the Victory League has seen’, Moreira came through the ranks at Mexican Primera Division side Monterey FC before going on to play for Universidad de Monterey.
During his spell at Monterey FC between 2005 and 2008, the then teenage Moreira played in the club’s reserves. But Moreira was often called up to train with the first team under Herrera.
“[Herrera] is a very nice guy, very supportive with the young players. He would always talk to the young players and say that we needed to work really hard to be in the first team,” Moreira told the Mercury.
Moreira has played as a defensive midfielder but says he can also play as a 10 or an eight. He says he’d like to stay beyond this season.
Herrera made a name for himself at the 2014 World Cup by helping El Tri to the knockout stages after defeating Croatia in the group stages and drawing with Brazil.
Mexico was beaten by Holland in the round of 16 but the team caught the eye, as did the coach for his passionate reactions off the park.
Meanwhile, tickets are on sale for South Hobart’s Westfield FFA Cup round of 32 clash with Tuggeranong on August 5.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 concession and children under 12 are free.
Tickets are available from FFT offices at KGV Park, South Hobart Victory League games or at The Kit Room in North Hobart.