Learn about the historic Espinar team, named after a deceased politician and made famous in 2015 for their special shield.
The club was founded almost four years ago Alfredo Salinas made history at the 2015 Copa Perú. Espinar’s team reached the top 4 of the tournament by beating Deportivo Garcilaso in the Cusco Departmental League final. This worthy campaign earned him an invitation to play in the second division in 2016. But what is the story behind the team that managed to bring professional football to a province other than the capital Cusco?
Who was Alfredo Salinas?
The Alfredo Salinas Club was founded on December 12, 2011 by Manuel Salinas ZapataSon of Lindley Alfredo Salinas Pérez, a former police officer who managed to become mayor of the municipality of Pallpata – in two terms – and provincial president of Espinar in 2006. He was also President of the Alianza Suero Club and Chairman of the Thorn Provincial Football League.
Sadly, Salinas Pérez passed away on March 9, 2008 after a car accident in Espinar. Some time later, his son, who also went into politics, decided to continue his father’s legacy by founding the team that bears his name.
What happened to Club Alfredo Salinas?
Alfredo Salinas only spent three years in the second division. In his debut season in professional football, Espinar’s team finished eighth. He played 30 games and accumulated 43 points after winning 13 games, drawing four and losing 13. The following year he was tenth with 27 units: seven games won, ten draws and eleven losses.
Alfredo Salinas had the third worst goal difference in the 2018 season with -31. Photo: Jose Luis Lazaro / DeChalaca
His time in professional football ended in 2018 when he lost the category alongside Serrato Pacasmayo. This year, irregularities prevailed in the Espinar complex. The clearest sign was that there were four technicians this year: Luis Revilla, Juan Jayo, Edson Ojeda and Édgar Meza. Salinas finished his participation in the second division with six wins, six draws and 16 losses.