Raúl Pinto has announced his candidacy for the position of Vice President at Alajuelense, as the club prepares for elections scheduled for Saturday.

Pinto, who previously served as the club’s president from 2010 to 2016, intends to shift his focus primarily to sports management rather than the administrative roles he handled during his earlier tenure.

Under Pinto’s proposed leadership, he will work closely with head coach Óscar Ramírez and the newly appointed sports manager, who will be announced following the elections.

Current President Joseph Joseph plans to concentrate on the administrative aspects, which have seen positive progress in recent years.

Pinto expressed excitement about the youth talent emerging from the Centro de Alto Rendimiento in Turrúcares, stating that the talent pool there is not only good, but 'exceptional.' He emphasized a commitment to integrating these young players into the first team.

According to Pinto, 'There are about eight players already observed by Óscar who will be part of the plans moving forward; I feel we are at a similar moment to when figures like Christopher Meneses and Giancarlo Gonzalez emerged.' His vision includes creating homegrown stars who embody the club’s identity, aiming for lasting success.

Pinto’s primary objective as Vice President would be to promote young talent like Isaac Badilla, alongside working collaboratively with both the board and coaching staff.

'We have identified two young players who could potentially fill the recent departure of a right-back,' he mentioned, showcasing a commitment to nurturing talent from within rather than seeking outside signings.

When questioned about his exact role within the management structure, Pinto clarified that he intends to work closely alongside the sports manager, fostering a collaborative environment for decision-making.

For the sports manager position, Pinto expressed a preference for a candidate with a strong affiliation to Alajuelense, favoring experienced figures with a history at the club, while recognizing the importance of collective decision-making among the twelve board members.

'I like the names that are being mentioned, which include former players who were significant for the club, yet it is essential to evaluate their qualifications thoroughly,' he noted.

A significant challenge Pinto will face is securing recognition and trust within the board for his sporting insights and recommendations, which he hopes will enhance Alajuelense's athletic direction.