Difficult journey in Laos
Tshamala joined the Long An team in 2004 but after only one year, he was loaned to Quang Nam to participate in the First Division. After returning to Long An, he continued to be associated with this team for 6 seasons, playing a key role in the team's successes. At the peak of his form, Tshamala was one of the most impressive foreign players in the V.League, helping Long An win the championship in 2006 and become runners-up twice in 2007 and 2008.
However, persistent injuries caused Tshamala's form to decline. In 2012, Long An decided to part ways with him, and although he tried out for several other teams, he could not find a place. While his career was struggling, Tshamala received an invitation from an acquaintance to play for the Champasak team in Laos.
Tshamala once said that his time playing in Laos was unforgettable. Tshamala was owed salary and food for 7-8 months. Realizing Tshamala's situation, former football star Doan Hoang Son decided to bring him back to Vietnam and find him a stable job.
Almost became a Vietnamese citizen
During the 2009 V.League season, Long An considered naturalizing Tshamala, along with midfielder Issawa (Thailand). Both had played in Vietnam for more than 5 years and passed the Vietnamese language test and legal procedures. Teammates at Long An also called Tshamala Le Minh Tshamala, and Issawa Ly Lam Wa. However, at the last minute, this naturalization plan was canceled for unknown reasons.
After retiring, Tshamala became a football coach at a youth training center. Although his teaching skills were not outstanding, he was loved by his students and colleagues for his dedication and love for the job. Doan Hoang Son commented: “Tshamala speaks Vietnamese quite well, he is always eager to learn and hard-working, especially always devoted to his students.”
Critical accident
To make ends meet, Tshamala teaches community soccer and works as an electrician. However, he recently had an unfortunate accident when a man snatched his bag on the street. While chasing the robber, Tshamala crashed into an electric pole, resulting in a very serious accident.
Tshamala had to stay in the intensive care unit with a daily cost of about 25 million VND. Faced with this situation, former players Doan Hoang Son, Phan Van Tai Em... stood up to call for donations to help Tshamala with treatment costs.
After 2 days of calling for help for the famous former player of Dong Tam Long An, Doan Hoang Son and Tshamala's colleagues announced that the amount of money raised reached 224.7 million VND. This amount will be given to Tshamala's wife to pay for hospital fees.
