While coaching the Vietnamese U23 for the SEA Games, Henrique Calisto agreed to extend his contract to lead the national football team.
The prevailing question amongst many football fans in the recent days is what will be Calisto’s decisions when his contract ends in April 2010. VFF and Calistoare likely to sign the new contract at any time.
According to VFF’s statement released in Vientiane, the Portuguese manager “gave a nod” to the offer from VFF before setting off to Vientiane for the SEA Games with the Vietnam U23. It is reported that he has been offered a new salary of no less than US$12,000 per month.
Calisto will continue to stay with Vietnam Football - Photo by Bach Nhat
According to an official of the VFF, the extended contract will be for a minimum of 3 years, compared with the existing 2 year contract.
It is expected that this new longer contract will give Calisto enough time to implement a long-term plan to improve the Vietnam National team for regional tournaments, and discover and develop successors for the existing U24 and national teams.
Before the VFF and Calisto can agree on the terms of the contract, it is alleged that Calisto would also take up the position of manager of T&T Hanoi for V-League 2010.
The VFF said they would create favorable conditions for Calisto to work for T&T Hanoi, and in his spare time, for the national team.
This is such good news for Vietnam football because Calisto is considered as the most successful manager ever of Vietnam National Team. Under his leadership, the team won the AFF Cup.
A recent match between Thailand and the Vietnam U23 ended in a draw, thus reinforcing the dream of a gold medal for Vietnam in SEA Games 25.
