Boosting morale before departure.

(Baonghean) - Normally, before the opening day of a new season, SLNA Club would hold a send-off ceremony. This is done to boost morale and for the coaching staff and players of SLNA to show their determination to the leaders of Nghe An province and Bac A Bank. However, this year's ceremony took place in a very special way. Not at a luxurious hotel, nor with the usual rituals, everything was simply a simple incense offering ceremony at Ho Chi Minh Square.

This weekend, football pitches across the country will be buzzing again with the developments of the 2014 V.League. On the opening day, SLNA will travel to face newly promoted Than Quang Ninh. Before their trip, Coach Huu Thang and his team appeared quite confident. Besides having quality domestic players like Cong Vinh, Minh Duc, Dinh Dong, and Quang Tinh, the Nghe An team recently acquired Emile, a striker who previously played for the Cameroon U23 team.

However, according to the coaching staff of the Nghe An team, the striker who is a compatriot of Emile and recently arrived in Nghe An is the one who is truly expected to succeed. Ndiodo Edouard, who just arrived at Vinh Stadium, has made a big impression. Besides his height of over 1.90m, this striker is also impressive with his refined finishing ability. Although he is demanding a higher salary, the SLNA leadership says they are about 90% certain to finalize the contract with this striker before the new season begins. The only remaining issue for the Nghe An team is finding another foreign player before the transfer window closes on January 25th.

Ndjodo Edouard (right) is about to join SLNA. (Image from the internet)

In the final stages of preparation for the new season, SLNA has been quite fortunate to achieve considerable success. Besides retaining Cong Vinh, they have also successfully contacted partners to bring in quality foreign players for trials. Furthermore, the Nghe An Supporters' Club has organized practical support programs, signaling a season where Nghe An fans will continue to "ignite" the stands to cheer on Coach Huu Thang's team. Moreover, amidst the difficulties, SLNA has also secured the support of the world-renowned fashion brand Kappa. Although some argue that the jersey design resembles that of HN.T&T, many believe that in the team's current predicament, Kappa's sponsorship is a great stroke of luck. As a major fashion brand, they have their own principles, and their sponsorship of SLNA is not accidental. It is the result of a thorough research and careful consideration process, requiring significant effort before Kappa finally agreed to partner with SLNA.

This is not the first time Coach Huu Thang and his team have laid wreaths at the square. After winning the V.League 2011 championship, SLNA also paraded and stopped at Ho Chi Minh Square to light incense in gratitude. In the 2013 season, Huu Thang and his players also visited Ho Chi Minh Square and paid respects at President Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum in Hanoi on several occasions.

These trips not only increase the pride of the people from Uncle Ho's hometown, but also help the coaching staff and players gain more confidence in the long race ahead. The launch ceremony for the new season of SLNA was not as grand and elaborate as other teams, but the fans from Nghe An province strongly supported it. This was because it saved costs while also showcasing noble humanitarian values.

Vinh Liem