17th November, 2010
As preparation for the 2010 FA Cup final, the Chonburi squad flew out to Vietnam to take part in the annual BTV Cup. By way of a preview for the tournament, which started on Friday 19th November, I interviewed Erick Bui, the webmaster of the Viet Football blogspot.
Q Please can you tell me a bit about yourself. Your name, age and where you come from.
- My name is Erick. I'm 20 and I come from Vietnam.
Q How long have you been following Vietnamese football?
- I have been following Vietnamese football since I was a small kid. In 1997, when the SEA Games were held in Jakarta, it was the first football tournament I watched. I also started following the national football league at that time.
Q Can you give me a bit of history about the BTV Cup?
- The BTV Cup is a pre-season competition held by Binh Duong Television and Becamex Binh Duong FC. It was launched in 1999 and was first won by Cang Sai Gon. Since 2002, it has become an annual tournament and started involving foreign clubs. Vietnamese clubs find the BTV Cup a quality and useful competition in which to warm up before season starts.
Q How are the competing teams chosen?
- There are often 8 teams in the BTV Cup. Hosts Binh Duong and 3 other V-League clubs represent Vietnam. Four foreign clubs are chosen from various continents. Traditionally, one team from Brazil is invited. Three others are Asian sides who are champions or high-ranked club in their respective leagues. For example: Chonburi (2007), Krung Thai Bank (2003), Tampines Rovers (Champions of ASEAN Club Championship in 2003) and Etoile FC (S-League 2010 champions). European and African clubs were also invited in 2009 and 2010.
Q Please tell me a bit about the host club and the stadium.
- Many of Binh Duong players are Vietnam internationals so the club will lose some important players to the national team in this BTV Cup. The club has 4 foreigners Philani, Leandro, Lee Nguyen and Timothy Anjembe who have been stars of the league for a few seasons. Their fans are one of the best in Vietnam and their stadium, Go Dau Stadium, can hold 18,000 supporters.
Q Which has been the most high profile team at the tournament in the past?
- Possibly Brazil Serie B side Duque de Caxias. They won the BTV Cup in 2009 and looked very impressive.
Q What sort of crowds does the tournament attract? Can we expect big crowds this season? Are you expecting Thai ex-pats to watch Chonburi's matches?
- I expect about 10,000 supporters will attend Binh Duong's games. For other games, the crowds can be smaller. Regarding Thai ex-pats, it will be great if they also watch the games.
Q How seriously is the tournament taken in Vietnam?
- The BTV Cup is an important competition for V-League clubs in their preparation for the new season. They often try out new signings, tactics and look for transfer targets as well. It's a great opportunity for Vietnamese sides to test themselves against strong opponents.
Q Will there be any TV coverage?
- Yes, all games will be broadcast live on Binh Duong Television (BTV).
Q What other sort of press coverage does the tournament get?
- Most Vietnamese football media will cover the event.
Q What can you tell me about the other three teams in Chonburi's group?
- Hosts Binh Duong is always one of the strongest clubs in Vietnam. They have just made a few exciting signings and will definitely look to win the cup this year. Vicem Hai Phong were V-League 2010 runners-up and have just drawn 2-2 with the Vietnam national team recently. Express FC is a top Ugandan club, having won their respective league 6 times.
Q What do you know about Chonburi FC and our players?
- I know Chonburi FC is one of the best Thai clubs and I watched some of their games in AFC Champions League 2008 and AFC Cup 2009. Arthit Sunthornpit is the one I'm most impressed with. Suree Sukha and Therdsak Chaiman are great too.
Q What are your predictions for the tournament?
- I expect hosts Binh Duong or Matsubara will win the cup.
Q Anything else you'd like to add?
- It's really good to see Chonburi FC participate in the BTV Cup for the second time. I always expect more competitions involving South East Asian club sides.
Q Thank you.
- Thank you
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