Houston, United States.
Staying in a team for a long time is not easy. For Óscar Boniek García, this will be his tenth season with the Houston Dynamo. Behind that success lies his discipline and his family, an important pillar for the Honduran midfielder.
MI FINDE chatted with the 36-year-old footballer, who told us about his short and medium term plans for his career. The World Cup with Honduras in South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 is already starting to prepare its new generation in football. His two twins Jarden and José have inherited their father’s talents, and Boniek polishes them himself from an early age.
We also got to know the other side of Boniek, a loving and homely father.
This will be your 10th season in MLS, what does it mean to you?
Thank goodness I had the chance to continue on the team, I am very happy that they opened the doors for me. We are already in the preseason and focused on everything that comes our way.
What has been the key to staying abroad for so long?
First, I would say that discipline, in maintaining physical well-being, being with the family, the pauses that are essential in order not to lose shape. Ultimately, each of the actions you take is the key to always playing at the best level.
What does the Houston Dynamo represent to Boniek?
It means a lot, it’s my home, it’s been 10 years here, the club that gave me the chance to go abroad. I owe them a lot, I am very happy with everything I have achieved.
Could this be your last season in MLS?
Well the idea is to keep playing, I go year after year. I hope to play a lot, the team has hired good players, there is good competition, but I will continue to work to earn the starting position. Age doesn’t matter to play, here is Maynor Figueroa at 37, in Honduras Javier Portillo, I think as long as I’m careful there is Boniek for a while. There will come a point when the body will stop telling you, but for now you are fine.
You are an authorized vote, what level is United States football at?
It is a competition that has grown, here you play for you as they say. Not only do they bring great players, they evolve in everything, the infrastructure, I think MLS wants to fight the Mexican League. In the past, seasoned players came, now this league exports players to Europe. I’ll give you the case of Alberth Elis, who left Houston for the Boavista.
Which way is MLS going in a few years?
To become the best league in the world, that’s the path that the managers themselves follow, they will have the World Cup in 2026, no doubt they are trying to compete at the highest level.
Did you have more options to draw, or was only the Houston Dynamo the priority?
The truth is, I had other offers, just Houston from MLS. From the USL there was a chance, but I decided to stay with the club because of the new project they have, where I’m still important in the squad and in the end it’s good that they appreciate you.
His future, the Bonieks and the day of the catracho
Are you planning to retire from Dynamo or do you want to return to Honduras?
If God allows me I would like to retire here (Houston), the family is very comfortable in the United States, but if it doesn’t we will look for other options. We are going to take a step-by-step look at what the results will be at the end of the season.
Are you planning to live in the United States?
The idea is that. My children study here (Boniek José, Jaden Boniek, Ivania Lourdes). I try to give them the best in the future, that’s why I plan to stay here.
How do you rate your career at 36 so far?
It was very good, quite positive, with ups and downs like normal in this race, but this is not over yet and we have to keep enjoying every game and practice.
How do you enjoy life in Houston?
I live my life very quietly, there are many Central Americans here, nothing special, there are many Honduran restaurants, there is variety, we had a great time as they say ”.
And what does a day look like for you?
I spend at home watching the television. With the kids when it’s not my turn to train we start playing Fifa, cards, my wife plays with us too, with some application games too, but I always enjoy it.
How would you like fans to remember you?
Like that person who gave everything on the court.
Does Boniek look good in the kitchen?
Before I didn’t play professionally I defended myself in the kitchen, but I know if I dive back in I’ll defend myself, at least the water won’t burn me … ha ha ha.
Is Boniek a loving father?
I am a very homely and affectionate man with my children, there are clearly times when you have to push them to do their homework, I play with them a lot and I always help them in whatever way I can.
As a husband, are you romantic and thoughtful?
That should already be asked of my wife Ivania Reyes, I am a shopkeeper with her for occasions but better if she tells you.
If you had to describe yourself as a person, what would you say?
I would say that I am a very happy person, always helping others when I have the chance to do so, first class worker, I would describe myself.
Do your two twins, Jaden and José, have a future in football?
Honestly, I’m looking to the future, they have details that are important on the track, they are both seven years old. Boniek José is an attacker and has many qualities. Jaden is a defender and he is strong, he scores well. At the moment they are going to a football academy and I am also going to help them with teaching.
So you are going to do something to start your coaching career?
That’s the idea, to get knowledge from now on, I’ll start with the kids, a friend gave me the chance at his academy and I said yes, and in my spare time we’ll benefit. Here there is a lot of opportunity to start the coaching career, it starts with something and we are going to see what happens and in the future that opportunity can be given.
Has Boniek been someone who loves luxury?
No, none of that, I am normal, luxury things don’t get my attention. That’s for other types of people.
The H, the best goal and his favorite coaches
So far, what’s the best manager you’ve ever had?
I have many, the truth; Chelato Uclés primarily because it characterized my career. Then I would put you Juan Carlos Espinoza and then Nahúm Espinoza. With the National Team, Reinaldo Rueda and Luis Suárez. Already in MLS it would be Dominic Kinnear who helped me grow in the United States. But I also believe that in this profession every technician you train will leave you positive things.
We know he scores few goals, but of the goals he has scored, which one is his favorite?
I have few goals, but if I score they are goals, it would be difficult, but my first goal with Olimpia against Real Spain was a goal, I would stay with that. There are other good ones, but I think they are very special ”.
Why is it now so difficult for Honduras to export players abroad?
There are multiple players abroad, what happens is that they don’t come out as often as before or for teams of greater weight. But it is also part of a number of things that are not done properly.
Do you want to remain part of the process towards Qatar 2022?
That’s the idea, I think if I stay active I can be called up. We know there is a lot of competition, but that’s good because there is a very committed group. I will always be ready for my country. There is a good variety of players, this year it is important to know if we have options to qualify for the World Cup.
Do you dream of playing in another World Cup?
Of course I have that great desire, but we know it’s not easy, first I have to keep playing to get the chance, we trust God that it can be given.
How should Honduran football improve?
On the tennis courts it is essential so that we can develop the players who grow, otherwise it will always be difficult for us to go to the World Cup in any category.