Mexican legend Bravo visits Porterville

November 10, 2013 3:50 PM

CHARLES WHISNAND

Vinicio Bravo is a legend in Mexico. And it was certainly demonstrated on Saturday that those who were at the Porterville Sports Complex knew it.

Bravo was definitely a popular person with players, coaches and parents alike during the Porterville Soccer League’s final day of play during its fall season. They all came up to him throughout the day, seeking his autograph.

Bravo has been in Porterville working with players with the South Valley Chivas Academy teams. Bravo has been working with the Chivas for a week and will work with the Chivas through Wednesday. He has known Gilbert and Esmaldo Hernandez, who run the Chivas Academy, for several years, and that led to his visit.

During the 1980s, Bravo was a legendary Mexican player during the golden era for Club America as he was instrumental in the team’s success during the era. He now coaches the Verecruz 17 and under Fuerzas Basicas team and also serves as a scout for Mexico’s top youth clubs.

So Bravo’s trip to Porterville hasn’t been about just good will. It’s been about business as well. And while Bravo isn’t completely fluent in English, he was able to quickly respond in English when asked about the youth soccer program on Saturday and how it could possibly help him in his scouting duties. “It’s a gold mine,” he said.

Bravo also said he was impressed with the sports complex. “Muy bueno, muy bueno,” he said. Bravo noted one won’t find the kinds of facilities as the sports complex in Mexico. It’s not uncommon to find soccer games being played on cement and blacktop surfaces in Mexico. Bravo also noted in Mexico City, there’s simply no space for a facility like the sports complex.

Bravo said he would like to see more exchanges of coaches, scouts and players between Mexico and the United States. While he’s looking for top American players to play for top youth Mexican clubs, he would also like to see top Mexican players come to play in the U.S. He also said he would like to see more Mexican coaches to come see what’s being done in the U.S. and to help coach in this country as well and for American coaches to do the same in Mexico.

When comparing players from Mexico to this area, Bravo said it’s more about technique in Mexico while it’s more about size an speed here, although he did not the technique of local players was coming along as well. He also noted the large number of girls who play youth soccer in this area.

He also noted something that’s the same with any other youth sport — the parents. While some parents are realistic, others are “ambitious,” Bravo said. “It’s difficult,” he said. He also said parents will come up to him and say “my son’s the best.”

Bravo said he’s also noticed over the years parents have become more “ambitious.”
He did say he has been treated well in Porterville. “The people have been great,” he said.