V-League 2011 Preview

The 11th edition of V-League kicked off yesterday with exciting games, goals and promising players. Let's take a brief look at the preparation of each club for V-League 2011.

For full squad list, check it here.

1 -  Ha Noi T&T

Being V-League champions and Vietnamese representative in AFC Cup, Ha Noi T&T has strengthened its squad with some good local players including famous winger Thach Bao Khanh and young midfielder Van Quyet. Despite not having powerful attacking force, Ha Noi T&T is quite good at defending and teamwork that helped them win the last V-League. Entering the new season, the club is undoubtedly one of favourites for the title.

Foreigners: Gonzalo Marronkle (Argentina), Cristiano Roland (Brazil), Caue Benicio (Brazil) and Cherifou Yousseni (Togo).

2- Vicem Hai Phong

Hai Phong no longer has the service of some good players, particularly Leandro, who had been their inspiration for 3 years. They also doesn't has such powerful financial backing as last year. Therefore, the club has set its target as avoiding relegation despite they finished as runners-up last year. The biggest addition is the signing of 20-year-old striker Osas Idehen, who scored 2 goals for Nigeria.

Foreigners: Osas Idehen (Nigeria), Thiago da Rocha (Brazil), Aniekan Okon Ekpe (Nigeria), Mba Ukonu (Nigeria).

3 - TDCS Dong Thap

Always being a tough opponent for any V-League teams and always regarded as a favourite for relegated positions, Dong Thap is hard to predict. Finishing 3rd last year, however, as usual they lost a lot of good players after season ended. One exception is Samson Kayode, who decided to stay at the eleventh hour. Therefore, they will have to rely on young players and Nigerian imports now.

Foreigners: Samson Kayode (Nigeria), Sunday Ibeji (Nigeria), Felix Ajala (Nigeria), Adesope Hammed (Nigeria).

4 -  Khatoco Khanh Hoa

Khanh Hoa is always capable of staying in V-League but it's also known as an unambitious side.A middle position in the table will be suitable for them.

Foreigners: Ansah Issifu (Ghana), Mustapha Essuman (Ghana), Martin Trindade (Brazil), Agostinho (Brazil).


5 - Dong Tam Long An

V-League 2011 sees DTLA say good bye to two icons of the club, Phan Van Tai Em and Nguyen Minh Phuong. Some young players were promoted to first team to replace to these two experienced players. The club's strength lies at the attack that is led by some very good players.

Foreigners: Antonio Carlos (Brazil), Danny David Mrwanda (Tanzania), Abdi Kassim (Tanzania), Tshamala Kabanga (DR Congo).

6- SHB Da Nang

V-League 2009 champions still have a very quality squad and some good additions. They are one of favourites for the championship this year.

Foreigners: Gaston Merlo (Argentina), Nikolas Hernandez (Argentina), Kalifa Dembele (Mali), Emmanuel Eloh (Nigeria).

7- Hoang Anh Gia Lai

HAGL is a rich club with ambition. Their facilities are also number 1 in Vietnam. However, they has stopped spending big cash for some years. It seems the club is awaiting for the first set of young players that will graduate from their Arsenal-JMG Academy in next 3 years.

Foreigners: Evaldo Goncalves (Brazil), Benjamin Dzigba (Ghana), Allan Wanga (Kenya), Igwe Ejike (Nigeria).


8 - Becamex Binh Duong

Having best midfielders in V-league, Binh Duong is facing a big problem to decide who will play and a big unbalance in squad. They don't have a strong defense and a good scorer after Kesley Alves left the club. If the club can overcome their own problems, they can be the strongest club in Vietnam.

Foreigners: Lee Nguyen (USA), Leandro (Brazil), Philani (South Africa), Egbo Osita (Nigeria), Joseph Nwafor (Nigeria).

9- Song Lam Nghe An

Having won national cup last year, SLNA will play AFC this season. The club is well-known for being good at choosing foreign players. This year, they have signed 2 Jamaican international and one Ghana international. All have made some impression for recent games. A top-half finish is always possible.

Foreigners: Kavin Bryan (Jamaica), Devon Hodges (Jamaica), Diego Andre (Jamaica), Edmund Owusu Ansah (Ghana).

10 - Hoa Phat Ha Noi

Technically, Hoa Phat Ha Noi has a good squad but the club is an unambitious side. They will rely on brilliant goal-scoring ability of Timothy Anjembe to stay up.

Foreigners: Timothy Anjembe (Nigeria), Olushola Aganun (Nigeria), Cassiano Henrique (Brazil), Henry Kiseka (Uganda).


11 - The Vissai Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh also has a good squad and is always ready to challenge top Vietnamese clubs. They can finish among top half in V-league 2011.

Foreigners: Gustavo Dourado (Brazil), Rodrigo Mota Farias (Brazil), Kalu Uche (Nigeria), Adebowale Ogungbure (Nigeria).

12 - Lam Son Thanh Hoa

Thanh Hoa can be proud of many good young players they have. Uder right guidance, the club can be safe from relegation this year.

Foreigners: Pape Omar Faye (Senegal), Gilmar (Brazil), Emmanuel Sunday (Nigeria), John Wole (Nigeria).

13 - Navibank Sai Gon

Biggest spenders of V-League is the only representative from Sai Gon. They will want to take the chance to become top club of the city. Having many quality signings, Navibank Sai Gon can be a new force in V-League 2011.

Foreigners: Jose Emidio Almeida (Brazil), Francois Endene (Cameroon), Marcio Giovanini (Brazil), Leandro Cruz (Brazil).

14 -  Ha Noi ACB

The only promoted club is top favorite for relegation this year. Lack of investment, no addition of note, the only star is Pham Thanh Luong, who was Vietnamese Golden Ball winner in 2010.

Foreigners: Hassan Sesay (Sierra Leone), Lucas Cantoro (Argentina), Angelo Machuca (Paraguay), Jonathan Quartey (Ghana).