National coach José de la Paz Herrera, better known as “Chelato” Uclés, died at age 80 on Wednesday night in Tegucigalpa due to health complications, reported his son, communicator Rudy Urbina, on his Twitter account.
«The most dreaded day had to come, and it finally did. Honduras loses today one of its favorite sons. Fly very high Profe, where only the great live. I’m going to miss him, dad. The country is going to miss him. Soccer is going to miss him. #Chelato », wrote Urbina.
The information was released by Urbina around 11:00 at night and immediately dozens of comments of solidarity began to enter the family of Professor Uclés from friends and athletes.
“Rest in Peace to the best coach that Honduras had a hug to heaven, teacher, a lot of strength for the family,” wrote Honduran soccer player Roger Rojas. “My condolences, his legacy will live forever, QDDG,” said former swimmer Ana Joselina Fortín.
Minutes later, the deputy Doris Gutiérrez, sister of Chelato Uclés, also released the unfortunate news through the same social network.
«My brother Chelato already rests in the peace of the Lord. He gave this country so much, so many joys, so many smiles, so much hope, through his unwavering tenacity and passion for football. His departure leaves a huge hole in the heart of the Honduran people. #ChelatoInmortal », he wrote.
José de la Paz Herrera was born on November 21, 1940, in Soledad, department of El Paraíso; He is considered one of the best soccer coaches in Honduras, who managed to lead the National Team to the first World Cup match in Spain 82.
He is also remembered for that historical feat of December 22, 1974, in which as a young Real Spain coach together with his eleven coaches he beat Motagua, champion of the four rounds, at home, which was led by Carlos «Zorro» Padilla Velasquez.
However, he was also champion on several occasions with Marathon and Olimpia, many of those championships highly remembered by fans of both teams.
El día más temido debía llegar, y finalmente llegó. Honduras pierde hoy a uno de sus hijos predilectos. Vuele muy alto Profe, allá donde solo los grandes habitan. Lo voy a extrañar papá. El país lo va a extrañar. El fútbol lo va a extrañar. 😔 #Chelato pic.twitter.com/pk5SDK3lJM
— Rudy Urbina (@Chavelachaparro) April 29, 2021
Amelia Warner
Amelia Warner writes all the Latest Articles. She mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.