VietNamNet Bridge – Former national team member Tran Cong Minh has been reappointed as head coach of V-League 1 side Dong Tam Long An (DTLA). The position fell vacant when the previous coach, Croatian Buketa Ranko, was sacked after two consecutive losses.

This is the third time that Minh, 42, has taken the position as head coach of DTLA. He coached DTLA in the 2008 and 2010 seasons.

Minh, who hails from Dong Thap and used to coach DTLA's U-21 team, has the tough job ahead of him helping DTLA get advance to V-League next season.

"DTLA's goal is to return to V-League," said Minh. "I will try my best to help my team play well although many challenges are awaiting me. Immediately, I need to help my team achieve three points in the eighth round."

After seven rounds, the two-time V-League champions have 10 points (three wins, one draw and three losses) to rank seventh.

* Maseco HCM City aim to be in top four in volleyball event

Despite earning a spot in the National Volleyball Championship (known as the PV Oil Cup) by finishing first in the 2011 A-Class National Men's Volleyball Tournament last September, Maseco HCM City are now hoping not only to rank in the top four but even to remain in the event.

To stay competitive, the team has spent VND5 billion (US$239,000) to sign veterans like Tran Thanh Tung, Nguyen Thanh Cong, Huynh Van Tuan, and Nguyen Hoang Thuong, as well as Chinese player Huang Bin, who has competed well in international events.

"The team is in a group with very strong teams," said coach Le Hong Hao. "Standing in the top four is rather tough, but with good preparation, I believe my team will play well."

The team is in Group A alongside Sacombank Border Guard, The Cong, Trang An Ninh Binh, Military Zone 9 and Army Corps 4. The PV Oil Cup will take place on March 16-23 in the northern provinces of Quang Ninh (Group A) and Hai Duong (Group B). The first and second placed teams in each group will compete for the Hung Vuong Cup at Viet Tri Gymnasium in the northern province of Phu Tho during the celebration of the Hung Kings Festival, which falls at the end of this month.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News