SLNA's foreign players are eagerly anticipating the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.

(Baonghean.vn) - This year's Lunar New Year is the first time that the two foreign players of Song Lam Nghe An, Henry and Olaha, have had the opportunity to learn about the customs and traditions of celebrating the traditional Vietnamese New Year.

Returning to Nghe An after their 2-1 victory against Long An on the 26th day of the Lunar New Year, only Henry and Olaha remained at SLNA's headquarters. Although the two new recruits from Nghe An didn't receive a Lunar New Year bonus, the club's leadership provided them with extra money to rent a hotel room, allowing them to experience the Vietnamese New Year atmosphere outside of the club. Furthermore, at the hotel, they were provided with banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) and plenty of other sweets...

Henry 1: The Trinidad & Tobago striker unexpectedly leads the top scorer list in the V.League 2017 after 4 rounds. Photo: Trung Kien.

Speaking to a reporter from Nghe An Newspaper, striker Henry Shackiel shared: “I have no intention of returning to my hometown at this time. I'm just looking forward to the V.League matches resuming soon; I'm very eager. I also don't have any plans for these holidays yet, but I definitely want to know how Vietnamese people celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year).”

Making his debut in the V.League and joining a youth team like SLNA, the Trinidad & Tobago striker also revealed his thoughts about the people and the football environment here. Henry said: “When my club back home introduced me to Vietnam, I didn't care which team I would play for. When stepping into a new environment, I just wanted to gain experience to become a better player, and at SLNA I was given that opportunity.”

At SLNA, he received special attention from his teammates as well as the coaching staff. Photo: Trung Kien

The team I played for in Trinidad & Tobago said that in Vietnam, I would get regular playing time and opportunities. And that's true. Initially, I faced many difficulties due to the weather conditions here, but now everything is fine. Everyone I've interacted with so far is very friendly and open, but it's difficult to communicate normally with them because of the language barrier. The SLNA players aren't very good at English. What makes me happiest is the support from the coaching staff, the regular playing time, and the chance to prove myself in this kind of football environment.”

After four matches, the striker born in 1994 has left quite an impression in the colors of the Nghe An team; however, this player has set rather modest goals for himself.

“I find the clubs in Vietnam a bit more professional than those in Trinidad & Tobago. Four goals in four matches is a very good achievement for any player. But anyway, this is my first time playing in the V.League, so my goal is to become one of the top five goalscorers in the 2017 season.”

In his free time, Henry spends his time watching movies, listening to music, and playing with his smartphone. He's eagerly anticipating returning to the field and experiencing the New Year's Eve atmosphere of the Vietnamese Tet holiday. Photo: Trung Kien

Song Lam Nghe An is a club with many talented players, but it would be a much more dangerous team if we had more experience. I think in the future, SLNA needs to play according to its own tactics and style until the final whistle, not just for 80 minutes like we did just now…,” Henry expressed.

The top scorer and key player for SLNA in attack also revealed that his family and girlfriend always stand behind him and support all his decisions. Therefore, he has set a goal to become a prominent player in the V.League in the future. Like many strikers, Henry idolizes L. Messi – the leading star of Barcelona, ​​and the Spanish team is also his favorite club.

Henry Shackiel and his teammates at SLNA will gather on the 4th day of the Lunar New Year (January 31st). However, it is very likely that he will have to wait until February 12th to be able to play again because the National Cup matches on February 4th are usually only opportunities for domestic strikers. Especially since SLNA's opponent is only Dak Lak FC, a team currently playing in the First Division.

Trung Kien