According to the competition schedule of the Vietnam Volleyball Federation, the second phase of the 2024 National Volleyball Championship (women's event) will take place from November 7 to November 17 in Lao Cai.
Specifically, the clubs will compete in the group stage from November 7 to November 12 to determine the rankings. After that, the 4 teams with the best results will compete in the semi-finals and final. The final and classification rounds will take place from November 14 to November 17.
With only 1 month left until the tournament starts, the teams are actively practicing to have the best preparation. However, currently, most clubs have not announced foreign players for the upcoming phase 2 of the national championship.
Previously, in phase 1, many foreign players played outstandingly, somewhat increasing the professional quality of the tournament. We can mention the main striker Cai Xiaoqing of Long Son Thanh Hoa Cement, Jin Ye of Vietinbank, Chen Peiyan of VTV Binh Dien Long An...
These foreign players all played impressively and contributed greatly to the team's overall achievements. Therefore, they are expected to return to Vietnam next month.
However, the cost issue is also a factor that football teams consider. According to research, the cost of hiring Jin Ye is around 10,000 - 12,000 USD (equivalent to 250 - 300 million VND) for 15 - 17 days (1 week before and during the tournament). Meanwhile, the cost of hiring Cai Xiaoqing is higher, around 20,000 - 22,000 USD (500 - 550 million VND).
Not to mention, these players are still playing for their home teams in China. Therefore, it is not certain that they will be able to return to play for Vietnamese clubs in the short term.
Up to this point, clubs such as Long Son Thanh Hoa Cement, VTV Binh Dien Long An (currently training in Japan), Vietinbank, Geleximco Thanh Hoa, Quang Ninh, Information Corps or Hanoi have not had any foreign players. Most likely they are still in the process of screening and selecting suitable players.
Meanwhile, after the 2024 Asian Club Championship, LPB Ninh Binh decided to continue hiring foreign player Warisara (Thailand) for the second phase of the 2024 National Championship and the 2024 Women's World Club Championship taking place in China this coming December.
Warisara scored points with his clever, comprehensive play and good coordination with his teammates. The 2005-born player also won the title of "Best Striker" at the recent Asian tournament.
In addition, with Duc Giang Lao Cai Chemicals, after the Asian Club Championship, the contract extension with two foreign players Elena Samoilenko (Russia) and Boonlet Tichaya (Thailand) is still open.
