The first Mexican head coach! Wuhan Three Towns signs Mora on a one-year contract

Written by Lu Mi and Han Bing On January 2nd, Wuhan Three Towns club confirmed Mexican coach Benjamin Mora as the head coach. This seasoned coach, with experience in multiple leagues across the Americas and Asia, is set to guide the team into the upcoming season. The club emphasized that the selection process was multidimensional, and Mora’s abilities align closely with the team’s present growth requirements. Notably, Mora is the first Mexican to coach in China’s professional league.

After securing safety last season, Three Towns began searching for a head coach. Interim coach Deng Zhuoxiang has been appointed as the sports director, overseeing first-team training while also serving as an assistant coach.

During the coaching selection, Three Towns carefully considered many factors, with adaptability being a key criterion. From last year until just before this announcement, the club engaged with several coaches, including Suarez, who previously coached at Guoan and Yatai.

Although Mora had no prior experience coaching in the Chinese Super League, his familiarity with Asian football was a decisive factor in his selection.

Mora began his coaching career in 2011. In January 2017, he arrived in Asia to manage Malaysian powerhouse Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT). However, his initial tenure was disappointing: the team lost the Super Cup, exited the AFC Champions League in the playoffs, was eliminated in the FA Cup quarterfinals, and fell short in the AFC Cup Southeast Asia semifinals. Failing to secure any trophies in just four months, he was dismissed in June.

In October 2020, Mora made a comeback and proved himself. In the 2021 season, JDT won 18 games, drew 3, and lost only 1 out of 22 league matches, successfully defending their title; they remained undefeated in the FA Cup with 9 wins and 1 draw but narrowly lost the final to Kuala Lumpur City. In 2022, JDT claimed the Super Cup, led the league standings, achieved double wins over Ulsan Hyundai in the AFC Champions League, drew with Kawasaki, and topped their group, making Malaysian football history. Unfortunately, despite the team’s strong progress, Mora resigned on July 27 for personal reasons.

In October 2022, Mora coached Mexican giant Guadalajara, reaching the quarterfinals of the 2023 closing tournament. However, he was dismissed in October 2023 due to poor results. In June 2024, he took charge of York United in the Canadian league, leading the team to its highest-ever regular season points total (39) and tied record wins (11). The team also reached the playoffs quarterfinals, matching their best performance. Mora was nominated for Coach of the Year but chose to leave by the end of 2024.

In December 2024, Mora became head coach of Querétaro in Mexico, but the team finished 12th in both the first half closing tournament and the second half opening tournament in 2025, missing the playoffs. In July, the North American Leagues Cup saw the team lose all three group matches. After the regular season ended in early November, Mora’s contract renewal talks failed, and he departed. Mexican media expected him to join Puebla, but surprisingly, he signed with the Chinese Super League.

During his time in North America, Mora did not coach top-tier clubs but still achieved notable success. His tactical adaptability is exactly what Three Towns needs. Club officials noted that Mora excels at tailoring tactics to the team’s actual conditions, is pragmatic, and emphasizes quick transitions and high-intensity team cooperation, which will help solidify the team’s foundation to avoid relegation.

Over more than three weeks of contact and negotiations with Three Towns, Mora demonstrated strong coaching ambition and enthusiasm, which became a key factor in reaching the agreement.

Mora proactively researched the team’s current status and league environment. The club learned from multiple sources that he is a highly inspiring coach who motivates players and builds strong team cohesion. Additionally, Mora’s focus on developing and promoting young players aligns with Three Towns’ commitment to youth training. Records show that during his tenure at JDT, he gave opportunities to 44 young players, building a squad that balances competitiveness and vitality. Three Towns has long invested in youth development, with many homegrown players advancing to the first team, and Mora will assist the club in establishing a sustainable talent pipeline.

Reportedly, Mora’s contract is for one year. He will work closely with Deng Zhuoxiang, jointly overseeing the team’s competitive affairs. In the announcement, the club expressed high hopes for Mora: warmly welcoming Mr. Benjamin Mora and his coaching staff. They anticipate that his extensive coaching experience and advanced football philosophy will lead the team to tactical breakthroughs, build a more competitive squad system, and support the rapid growth of young players.

With Mora officially taking charge, Three Towns’ preparations for the new season enter a new phase. Against a backdrop of optimized ownership structure and clear operational budget, this coach with insights into both Asian and American football will strive to lead the team to better results. We eagerly await the outcome.