Eugeniu Goicea, the former president of Petrolul Ploiești, has passed away at the age of 80, marking another sad day for Romanian football. Goicea served as the club’s president from 1996 to 2002 and had a significant impact during his tenure.
During his leadership, notable players in Liga 1, including Dinu Todoran, Daniel Chiriță, and Bogdan Onuț, were part of the club. Goicea was instrumental in bringing Todoran to Ploiești.
Eugeniu Goicea, former president of Petrolul, has died
“Eugeniu Goicea (80 years old), the former president of Petrolul Ploiești in the late ’90s to early 2000s, has passed away today. May he rest in peace! Our sincere condolences to the grieving family!” stated Petrolul on the club’s Facebook page.
Memories from Another Era: How Eugeniu Goicea Discovered Talents for Petrolul
In an era where scouting departments are vital for professional clubs, the stories of Eugeniu Goicea seem like a journey back in time. How did he find players in the late ’90s? In those days, Goicea would attend various matches across the country, particularly in lower leagues, to scout young talents.
Traveling extensively in a Dacia, he sought to bring promising youngsters to Ploiești. It was during this time that he discovered Dinu Todoran while the midfielder was playing for Tractorul Brașov.
Todoran played for Petrolul between 1996-2002 and again in 2003-2004 after a short stint with city rival Astra. Alongside Todoran, defenders Liviu Negoiță and Florin Manea, both of whom were later sought by other clubs, were also personally brought from Brașov to Ploiești by Goicea.
For many young players at Petrolul during that time, he was a paternal figure. Goicea left the club in 2002 when there was a change in the investor structure at Ploiești.
