América de Cali: why did Jorge ‘Polilla’ Da Silva’s first era as coach end?

In 2017, Da Silva experienced his first stage as a coach in América. He was hired in September of that year to replace Hernán Torres, who had been promoted to the team a year earlier.

There were difficulties with relegation at that time and ‘Polilla’ had to row hard to avoid a new fall to B. Not only did he ensure permanence but he put América in semi-final home runs in the second half of that year and qualified them for the Cup. South American.

However, 2018 did not start well for America. The painful elimination of the Sudamericana at the hands of Defensa y Justicia (they lost 0-3 in Cali, after having won 0-1 in Argentina) and the bad start in the League cost the Uruguayan coach his job.

At that time, Da Silva gave an interview to EL TIEMPO in which he explained the situation he had to experience.

“I found a reality that was not what I thought, but it is because of all the reality that the club has had to live. There is a lack of serious youth work and infrastructure. Cascajal (sports venue) is as I left it 25 years ago. He is going to fight for titles again, but now it is difficult and it couldn’t be done,” he explained then.

His reflection was useful. América reinforced its base work and then achieved two consecutive stars (2019-I, under the command of Alexandre Guimaraes, and 2020, with Juan Cruz Real on the bench).

He also pointed out that at that time he had differences with the club’s largest shareholder and then president, Tulio Gómez. “We had differences. I told him that there were statements from him that were not helpful. When he said that some players were leaving in June
and we were in February. “Everyone must take responsibility for what happened,” he assured.

Today, the presidency of América is occupied by Marcela Gómez, daughter of Tulio. America hopes to get back on track with the help of an idol.

SPORTS