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The Citizen
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
From Brighton to Vietnam: Is Tau still worth a place in Bafana?
It's hard to see how a stint in Vietnam will elevate the former Brighton & Hove Albion striker's game. Is it time for Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos to finally close the Percy Tau chapter in the national team setup? That's the burning question may football fans are asking after the forward secured a move to little-known Vietnamese 1 champions, Xanh Nam Dinh FC. Why Vietnam, Percy Tau? Truth be told, Vietnam is not recognised as a football powerhouse. It is far better known as a tourist haven than a football destination. So why would Tau make such a move with the Africa Cup of Nations around the corner and the potential of playing at next year's Fifa World Cup in the United States? ALSO READ: Bafana star Percy Tau finds new home He was a key figure in Broos' Bafana squad that claimed a bronze medal at the last AFCON. This transfer, in my view, places his spot in the Bafana squad in jeopardy. At 31, he still has plenty to offer in a stronger league, where his match sharpness would have been of greater benefit to Bafana in what promises to be a crucial year ahead. It's hard to see how a stint in Vietnam will elevate the former Brighton & Hove Albion striker's game, and this feels like a step backwards. A move back home or to a more competitive league in the Gulf would have made far more sense. Instead, this decision to play in Vietnam gives the impression of a player winding down the twilight of what has been a remarkable career. Nothing to excite Broos Xanh Nam Dinh will feature in the AFC Champions League Two, the Asian Confederation's second-tier competition, but this will do nothing to excite Broos. Bafana currently top Group C in their World Cup qualifiers with four wins from six matches and will also feature at AFCON in Morocco later this year. Players such as Relebohile Mofokeng, Elias Mokwena, and Oswin Appollis should now be central to Broos' plans. Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who continues to perform consistently in Major League Soccer with Minnesota United, is already operating at a far higher level than Tau's new club. ALSO READ: Pirates' Mbokazi asks fans to keep the faith If Hlongwane can't earn a call-up despite excelling in a stronger league, then Tau should not be anywhere near the squad. He has served the Rainbow Nation well, but the time has come for him to pass the baton to the next generation of Bafana stars.
The South African
19-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Former Kaizer Chiefs fan-favourite signs for Asian champions
Kaizer Chiefs academy graduate Njabulo Blom has completed a move to a rather surprise club for the upcoming season. The utility midfielder spent last season out on loan at the Glamour Boys from parent club St. Louis City FC. Following his exit from Naturena, Blom has now been unveiled as a new signing at a surprise Asian club! READ MORE • How much Orlando Pirates paid for Oswin Appollis! READ MORE • R20 million Mamelodi Sundowns star wanted by Siwelele FC! Njabulo Blom has completed a move to Vietnamese 1 champions Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC. 'Njabulo Blom, born on 11/12/1999, is a South African citizen and plays as a midfielder,' the club confirmed on Facebook as per Soccer Laduma . 'He was a familiar face in the American Professional Soccer League , now known as MLS , when he played for St Louis CITY SC. Njabulo Blom was also summoned up and played for the South African National Team.' Njabulo Blom made 19 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs across all competitions last season. The 25-year-old already has 160 professional appearances in both the PSL and MLS. 'After completing his loan spell with Kaizer Chiefs, Njabulo Blom will return to his parent club, St. Louis City SC, in the United States of America,' an official club statement read last month. 'Blom rejoined the Amakhosi at the beginning of September 2024 under an agreement to spend a season at his boyhood Club in the Betway Premiership.' READ MORE • Orlando Pirates cut ties with fan-favourite worth R14.5 million! Is it a step back or a step forward for the Bafana Bafana player? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by also emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Dos Santos aims to help Malaysia break Vietnam jinx with 'inside knowledge'
KUALA LUMPUR: A Brazilian-born footballer playing in Ho Chi Minh City, could help Malaysia beat Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier on June 10 at Bukit Jalil. Endrick dos Santos, currently on loan from JDT to Ho Chi Minh City FC, believes his "inside knowledge" of Vietnamese football could give Malaysia the edge. The midfielder has spent the past year playing in the 1, where many of Vietnam's national players also ply their trade. Dos Santos said in Kuala Lumpur today that he has studied the Golden Star Warriors' strengths and weaknesses. And he has held discussions with his national teammates and Harimau Malaya analysts. "They are fast, strong and aggressive, but they also have weaknesses. But I believe we should be in a good position again," he said. Dos Santos, 30, revealed light-heartedly that even the Ho Chi Minh City coach (Phung Thanh Phuong) and the team's players told him to put on a big performance for Malaysia against Vietnam. Malaysia have not beaten Vietnam in over a decade, but Dos Santos is confident that the tide is turning. "I trust the guys, we are 100 per cent in a good way. It should be a good game. We know the opponents are strong, but we have stepped up," he said. Dos Santos believes that playing in the Vietnamese league has given him valuable insight into their national team's playing philosophy and style. He praised the strong team spirit and adaptability among the Malaysia players, especially with the arrival of new faces into the squad.
Hans India
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Football in Asia: 7 Reasons Vietnam Might Be the Best Place to Catch a Match
If you're a football fanatic exploring Asia, there's one destination you shouldn't overlook — Vietnam. While traditional powerhouses like Japan and South Korea steal the spotlight, Vietnam is quietly emerging as a football hotspot. From electric stadium vibes to a thriving local fan culture, Vietnam is becoming a must-visit for anyone who wants to catch an unforgettable match. Here's why Vietnam might just be the best place in Asia to experience football — live and loud. 1. A Passionate and Loyal Fanbase Vietnamese fans are the heart and soul of football in the country. Whether it's a local 1 game or a high-stakes international fixture, stadiums fill up with red flags, drums, and fans chanting in unison. Their passion rivals some of the biggest football nations in the world. You won't just watch a game — you'll feel it. The crowd's energy is contagious, and being part of it turns any match into a memory. 2. Affordable Ticket Prices and Accessibility Unlike Europe or even some parts of Asia, catching a football game in Vietnam won't burn a hole in your wallet. Ticket prices are extremely reasonable, often ranging between $2 to $10 USD depending on the game. Combine that with easily accessible stadiums in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, and you've got a fan-friendly football experience that's budget-conscious and convenient. 3. Growth of the Domestic League ( 1) Vietnam's top professional league, 1, has come a long way in recent years. Improved infrastructure, better training, and foreign player recruitment have elevated the level of play significantly. With clubs like Hanoi FC and Hoang Anh Gia Lai drawing increasing attention, the league is now a proving ground for rising local stars and regional talent. Watching a domestic match is witnessing the future of Asian football take shape. 4. Vietnam's Rising Star Power Vietnam's national team has been turning heads across Asia. Their recent performances in the AFC Asian Cup and SEA Games have made headlines, especially with players like Nguyen Quang Hai becoming household names. This rise in success has pumped even more enthusiasm into local matches. Football isn't just a sport in Vietnam; it's a source of national pride and identity. 5. Unmatched Matchday Atmosphere If you think only European or South American crowds know how to bring the noise, you've never been to a Vietnamese stadium on matchday. Expect fireworks, flares, chants, and an atmosphere that turns every goal into a seismic event. Whether you're at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi or Thong Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, you're in for a spectacle that gives goosebumps. 6. Cultural and Travel Experience Football aside, Vietnam is a beautiful country with rich culture, amazing street food, and stunning natural scenery. Plan your trip around a football match, and you also get to explore UNESCO heritage sites, vibrant cities, and tranquil beaches. It's the ultimate travel + sports combo for adventurers and fans alike. 7. Innovative Digital Football Platforms Like vsport Modern fans love convenience, and Vietnam's football scene doesn't disappoint. Platforms like vsport are revolutionizing how fans engage with the game. From match schedules and live scores to team updates and fan discussions, vsport keeps you plugged into the Vietnamese football universe — even if you're on the go. It's the perfect companion for any local or visiting fan. Conclusion Vietnam is no longer an underdog in Asian football — it's a rising giant. Whether you're drawn by the passionate crowds, growing league, or simply the thrill of discovering football in a unique setting, Vietnam is a top-tier choice for fans. Add in the cultural richness and digital access via platforms like v sport, and there's no doubt: Vietnam might just be the best place in Asia to catch a match.
