HAGL - CAHN: 21st anniversary gift for Kiatisuk?
On February 18, 2002, Kiatisuk Senamaung, the number one star of Southeast Asian football at that time, debuted at HAGL with his Taiwanese teammates. Bau Duc told MetaSports that it was difficult to approach Kiatisuk at that time, because Vietnamese football was still inferior to Thailand. In particular, 21 years ago, HAGL was unknown to anyone and only competed in the First Division.
"It took me nearly a month to go back and forth between Vietnam and Thailand to find a way to connect with him and the Thai bosses," said Duc. "At that time, there were many giants from other countries trying to buy Kiatisuk. On his wedding, I went directly to give gifts and congratulate him. Then, on the negotiating table, I told the owner of the company. him, whoever bids, HAGL pays 25% more. They nodded, but thought we were joking. The next day, I transferred the money and 'nailed' too, unable to escape."
On February 18, 2002, fans of the mountain town flooded to Pleiku airport to welcome Kiatisuk. Thousands of people continued to follow each other through the roads, creating an unprecedented bustling atmosphere. Domestic and international press also flocked to Gia Lai to report the event.
The blockbuster contract that shook Southeast Asia immediately helped HAGL ascend to the V-League and have two V-League and National Cup championships. Experiencing many ups and downs both in his career as a player and later as a coach, Kiatisuk is still the symbol of the mountain town team and he considers this as his second home.
"21 years have passed so quickly, I thank elected Duc and Vietnamese fans. I consider this as a family," Kiatisuk shared before the afternoon practice session on February 18. "I would like to thank this land for giving me so much. I will devote myself to Vietnamese football and wish him good luck with his business and contribute a lot to football. I also hope to have many more in the future. After retirement, players return to HAGL to work like me."
The anniversary of "Zico Thai" this afternoon faced a big challenge when meeting the Hanoi Police - the team was also very thirsty for victory after two consecutive defeats. The away team is highly appreciated with star players such as Van Vu, Phan Van Duc, Doan Van Hau, Ho Tan Tai and the former HAGL defender - defender Vu Van Thanh.
"HAGL has many young players, close together. Upline has Minh Vuong, Tuan Anh and two foreign soldiers holding the rhythm of the match, waiting for the explosion, so we have to be very focused. Our goal is to get points when Come here," said captain To Van Vu of the Hanoi Police.
HAGL drew three matches in a row with young players and veterans playing focused. In particular, midfielder Chau Ngoc Quang scored twice in a row with the "clearing" of Washington Brandao, so they are also expected to continue to shine to have their first victory this season.
