WENATCHEE, Wash.— Wenatchee FC of the Evergreen Premier League today announces the hiring of Brazilian Cesar Ceppi as the club’s second-ever head coach. The move comes a few weeks after first season head coach John Wright resigned.
Ceppi came to Wenatchee in 2014 as a player. His name is already part of club history as he scored the first-ever goal for WFC. One of the more iconic photos from the Capitals’ first campaign is Cesar running towards the sideline in that goal celebration. Now he is charged with running the club from the sidelines. Ceppi becomes the youngest head coach in the Evergreen Premier League at age 25. He is credentialed in Brazilian soccer with coaching certificates he says add up to about the “C” level in America.
“The WFC directors want something different for this season. A new, updated philosophy of world football,” says Ceppi. “We talked for a while and understand the goal is above all to have a competitive team and seek strong foundations for the next few years to achieve greater things.”
Team Co-Owner Javier Reyna says Ceppi has the best interests of WFC at heart. “He will defend our club colors, bringing his experience and dedication to our game.” The move is bittersweet for Reyna. “I was saddened when we got the letter of resignation from John (Wright). He’s been such a great supporter of the club. Now, talking with Cesar, we’ve forged an agreement that I think will work for WFC.”
Ceppi took to Wenatchee right away last year. “I feel at home … I am happy here,” he says. “My dream is that Wenatchee FC becomes so great that I can live here forever.” He sees his new job as more than the 2015 season, but rather laying a foundation. “The main objective is not only to do well in 2015 but for many years.”
Ceppi already sounds like a head coach. “My coaching philosophy is to work hard, repeat everything to get it right, to be perfect. Games are won in the details.” He then adds this. “In 2015 we would like to be league champions, but we know that everyone wants it. Our goals are internal and addressed within the club. The less information my opponent has, the more dangerous my team becomes.”
Former WFC head coach John Wright led WFC to a 5-9-0 record and a 6th-place finish in 2014 in the 8-club EPLWA. He sent the team a resignation letter in mid January of the new year. “It’s with great regret and a heavy heart that I must resign my position as head coach of Wenatchee FC,” Wright said in the letter.
“With a full time career, I could not concentrate my full energy and time to the position that it deserves. I have very much enjoyed my time coaching these men and I am proud of our accomplishments on the field in the inaugural season in the EPLWA. I wish to thank all the players and staff at Wenatchee FC, especially Javier, Rafael, Ivan, Dave and Marcie. Your support and dedication to this club is immeasurable. I also want to thank the fans who supported us in our first season and made it a success. To the Bridge Mafia supporters club thank you for bringing a real football feel to our games and may you become bigger and louder. I look forward to supporting Wenatchee FC in any and all ways I can in the future.”
Ceppi and the Capitals will get to work right away. WFC hosts open tryouts this coming weekend March 14-15 at Wenatchee Valley Community College at 3 PM both days. Players can register and pay the $20 tryout fee online at www.WenatcheeFC.com.
Wenatchee FC begins their pre-season with a visit from Pinnacles FC of Canada on March 28. Watch the club website for details on the venue and kick-off time for the match.
