As a 9 de Octubre center-back, Urlín Cangá experienced several periods in which the Guayaquil club was in the second division, promoted to the first division, was a title contender (in 1983 and 1984, they were runners-up), signed a legion of nationally and internationally renowned players, and also saw it decline when Omar Quintana left.
Today, after 23 years, the Octubre team reappears in the second division with the goal, according to its leadership, of promoting to the first division as soon as possible. Cangá, who became a champion with Emelec in 1988, recalls his years at 9 de Octubre; his coaches, leaders, and the legion of figures with whom he stepped on various fields in the country.
How do you feel about 9 de Octubre's return to the top division?
It has been a very serious club in the country and it shaped the future of many players with great careers, which is why this (the return to the second division) fills me with a lot of joy and satisfaction. Furthermore, it is the team where I started my career.
Why do you think it took 23 years to be in the second division?
In Ecuador, and in the whole world, economic resources are necessary to participate in a professional tournament and to have good players and a good coaching staff. At one point, Omar Quintana did all of that, and now Abdalá Bucaram Pulley is doing it. They are leaders who love football and an institution that represents our city.
Was there neglect in the club when Quintana left?
Yes. There are leaders who have vision and know how to do things well, and that's how objectives are achieved. Omar Quintana is a responsible leader, a visionary.
What do you remember the most from your seven campaigns at 9?
I have many memories; that's where I started, and it was difficult to earn a spot. At some point (1981), the team had two defenders who were part of the National Team, like Emilio Huayamabe and Orly Zapatón Klínger. I'm not ashamed to say that I was their substitute because both of them had extensive careers. Sharing concentrations and training sessions with them strengthened me a lot because when my opportunity came, I could show my ability.
Roberto Mouzo, a symbol of Boca, was your teammate.
With Mouzo, a player of great international reputation, I formed a good central duo at 9 de Octubre. I learned a lot from him, and that filled me with satisfaction; it's good to find such fearless players like Mouzo. He gave me a lot of confidence.
It's good to be recognized and for people to know what 9 de Octubre is. It's a team that made history in Ecuadorian football. Urlín Cangá, former 9 de Octubre center-back
Jairzinho, World Cup champion with Brazil in 1970, was your teammate in 1982.
I can say many things about him. We can talk about Jairzinho all day long. He came as a champion, and on the field and in training, he gave it his all. He didn't come to play with his name. Plus, he helped us with all his knowledge.
Why couldn't 9 de Octubre become champions in 1983 and 1984?
It's just the way football is, despite the effort made on the field. 9 de Octubre would go and win anywhere.
Do you remember any anecdotes with Omar Quintana?
There are many. He saw me heading the corners and told me that I should work more on that, to do it well in defense and attack. When you're young, you think they say things to annoy you, but Quintana advised us to improve, and following his suggestion allowed me to score many headers, both at 9 and later at Emelec. He was always attentive to ensure we lacked nothing because he wanted our well-being.
José Valencia, Hamilton Cuvi, Orly Klínger, Enrique Lanza, Osní, Carlos Torres Garcés, Óscar Pezzano, Nelsinho, Édgar Domínguez, Raúl Avilés, and others. Who was the best player of the so-called 'Super 9'?
All of them, both as individuals and as athletes. At 9 de Octubre, we were a family. When we concentrated at Los Chirijos, in Milagro, there were two areas (of rooms), and each had its name: 'Pura crema' and 'Pabellón chino'. In the first one, there were Palillo, Miguel Cedeño, José Marcelo Rodríguez, Osní, Kike Lanza, and several others; in the other one, Cuvi, Carlos Ruiz, Luis Floril, Potro Muñoz, Jorge Amores, Omar López, Avilés, myself, and others were there. We had rules that had to be respected. Once Juan Ramón Silva (played for Nine in 1984) came to the club and said he wanted to be in the 'Pabellón chino'. I told him, 'don Ramón, if you submit to the codes, you can enter'. He asked me what he had to do, and I responded that he had to receive a spanking from each one, and he accepted. And at night, we had a program called 'Canta... pero canta cualquier hue...' (laughs). If someone sang, even if they did it badly, we applauded and enjoyed it. The calmer ones were in 'Pura crema', and the more restless ones were in the 'Pabellón chino'.
Who was the best coach that the 9 de Octubre had?
Luis Grimaldi. But at the beginning, it was don Lucho Drouet, who made me debut.
Did it hurt when the great era of the 'Super 9' ended?
It hurt all of us. The team achieved important things and had great players who then went to Barcelona, Emelec, and others to Filanbanco.
What do you expect from this new team in the second division?
It appears to be well reinforced, and it has a leader like Dalo Bucaram, who has been in the world of football and has a good concept of the sport. I trust that next year the team will be in the first division. (D)