Thanh Hoa recruit Brazilian striker

The Thanh Hoa team has signed a contract with Patrick Roberto Daniel Da Silva to strengthen its chances of winning ahead of the Toyota V.League 1's third round.

The Brazilian striker is expected to make his debut this weekend when Thanh Hoa faces Hoang Anh Gia Lai at the Pleiku Stadium in Gia Lai Province.

His contract will be valid for a year.

Before coming to Viet Nam, Da Silva had played in Thailand. At his peak, the 30-year-old joined Australia's Sydner FC, where he scored 15 goals during seven matches in 2008.

Apart from Da Silva, Thanh Hoa also has Dutch midfielder Danny van Bakel in their line-up.

The Thanh Hoa team travelled to Pleiku today to prepare for their match, which will be held at 5pm on Saturday and will be aired live on the VTV6 channel.

Hung to make return for Hai Phong

Nguyen Anh Hung has found a berth in the V.League 1 again after a one-year rest following a severe injury.

An Giang's Hung had broken his leg during a clash with Tran Dinh Dong of Song Lam Nghe An on February 26 last year.

The 22-year-old had suffered from several surgeries and had to recover fully before he was able to train again recently.

Coach Truong Viet Hoang of Hai Phong said Hung is currently in training with his team and has persuaded the coaching board of his ability to play again.

"He is a dynamic player, who can play as a midfielder and defender from both wings. I think he will be a good choice for us after we bid goodbye to several other team members," Hoang stated.

He also confirmed that Hung's contract will be finalised during the next few days.

Tam regains Ben Tre lead

Ha Thanh Tam from the An Giang Plant Protection team regained his yellow jersey in the Ben Tre Television Cycling tournament after the fifth stage yesterday.

Tam currently ranks at the top in the overall rankings, with a cycling time of 13hr 47.04min, followed by Tang Tri Hung of ADC-Vinh Long Television and Le Van Dong of VTV Can Tho, respectively.

Tam regained his top position after finishing at the third spot during the fifth stage from Ha Tien Town to Thot Not District in Can Tho Province. The stage winner was Nguyen Tan Hoai of Domesco Dong Thap 1, who finished the 146km journey in 3:44.04.

Nguyen Quoc Dinh of Ben Tre came in a close second.

At the same time, Tam currently leads the race and is set to win the white jersey for young athletes, while Tran Van Quyen of Military Zone 7 is ranked on top in the green jersey race.

The last stage of the tournament will be held today and involves a distance of 130km from Can Tho City to Ben Tre City.

Source: VNS