Benjamín Mayorga

Benjamín Mayorga Mora (born 15 October 1966), otherwise known as "El Indio" (The Indian) or simply as "Mincho", was a Costa Rican soccer player back in the 1980s and 1990s. He played most of his career in Deportivo Saprissa. "Mincho" became the most recognizable representative for the Native American race in Costa Rica, due to his Briri origin.

Mayorga began playing football for Municipal Turrialba, and joined A.D. Belén in the Primera Division at age 17.[1] He won four national championships, as well as two CONCACAF Champions Cup titles with Saprissa. He played for the Costa Rican national squad during the late 80's and the 90's, becoming the only 100% pure Indian-blooded international player in the world during that period of time. He collected over 20 caps for the 'Tico's' and played his final international in a FIFA World Cup qualification match against Jamaica on 11 May 1997.[2]

After his retirement in the late 90's, Mincho has pursued a coaching career with several teams in Costa Rica, and has continued to carry with much pride his Indian representation in Costa Rica's society, even in the political arena.

References

  1. ^ Carballo V., Francisco (2007-08-02). "Hombres de colmillo". Al Dia. http://www.aldia.cr/ad_ee/2007/agosto/02/ovacion1188718.html. Retrieved 2009-07-22. 
  2. ^ Courtney, Barrie (2005-02-02). "International Matches 1997 - North and Central America and Caribbean". RSSSF. http://www.rsssf.com/intldetails/1997nca.html. Retrieved 2009-07-22.