Walesi in Vietnam for trials
Former Mighty Wanderers defender Idrissa Walesi is undergoing two-week trials at Vietnamese elite (V-League 1) side Sanna Khánh Hòa BVN, hoping to become a second Malawian footballer in the Asian country after Victor Nyirenda.
A Vietnam website reports that the V-League, whose stars until recently included Brazilian superstar Denilson de Oliveira, attracts some 200 foreigners annually for trials despite restrictions of only four foreigners per team. Salaries range from $5 000 (K2.2 million) and $12 000 (K5.4 million).
Such offers attract foreigners such as Walesi who confirmed in a telephone interview from Vietnamese province of Khánh Hòa on Wednesday that he was into the last week of the trials facilitated by Nyirenda’s agent. He wants a switch from Mozambican side Desportivo de Nacala.
“Their game is so fast, but I believe I have given a good account of myself. However, you never know what the coach [Vo Dinh Tan] feels. There are four of us on trials, but only two will be signed. If it does not work out, there is a two-year contract renewal offer at my club in Mozambique,” he explained.
BVN is based in Khánh Hòa Province and plays at Nha Trang Stadium. Vietnam is ranked 138 against 94 for Malawi on the latest Fifa/Coca-Cola ranking.
Nyirenda confirmed that Walesi was undergoing trials in the Asian nation.
Ninh Binh team coach Nguyen Van Sy told the website that: “We offer six-month or one-year contract and decide to extend the deal if the player is a success in their first year. It’s the best option for us as we avoid risk.”
