Lookatvietnam – Central Quang Nam received a boost of VND4.5 billion (US$264,000) from the Hoa Sen Group to support the upcoming football season.

The championship will see 14 teams competing in a round robin. Winners will take home the Sino Cup and VND200 million (US$11,800) in prize money. (Photo: VNN)

Quang Nam, who was promoted to the First Division last year, will play their season debut in an away-game against Huda Hue city on February 6.

“It’s a dream for a team like us. We never thought of such big sponsorship,” said team head Nguyen Hup.

“Our players will be able to travel by plane or train, not on the bus as they’ve had to in past years. This step away from State budget support is the beginning of our entrance into the professional arena,” he added.

However, the central team will face tough clashes against strong powerhouses to remain in the Division, including last year’s V-League relegated teams Binh Dinh, Hoa Phat Ha Noi and Ha Noi ACB.

The squad will be made up of a mixture of veterans, who helped the team advance last year, and a clutch of young stars including Van Viet, Quoc Xuan, Quoc Phong and Tan Cong.

Quang Nam also sign loan contracts with Military Zone 4, Khatoco Khanh Hoa and premier V-League’s SHB Da Nang, to add players to the line-up.

Last month, the team held training sessions in HCM City and Da Nang to prepare for the new season. They are expected to recruit Brazilian Cleiton Santos and Ghana’s Reginald Asante along with eight players on loan.

The team has appointed former Da Nang coach Tran Vu as the team technical director, who will give new coach Le Van Minh a hand in developing good team tactics.

“We believe the team will make a good performance at the championship. With financial support from businesses, the team will be able to develop an experienced squad prepared to battle tough opponents,” said the coach.

The National First Division Football Championship will kick off next month in a clash between cross-town rivals, Hoa Phat Ha Noi and Ha Noi ACB at Hang Day Stadium.

The championship will see 14 teams competing in a round robin. Winners will take home the Sino Cup and VND200 million (US$11,800) in prize money.

Winners and runners-up will be promoted to the premier V-League next year. Third place will have to battle it out with the 12th-ranked team in a play-off match for a place.

The two lowest ranking First Division teams will be relegated to the Second Division next year.

(Source: Viet Nam News)