From November 21 to December 2, Phase 2 of the 2024 National Men’s Volleyball Championship is taking place at the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Sports Arena, featuring nine of the nation’s leading teams. The Da Nang men’s volleyball team is determined to secure their top 4 position achieved in Phase 1.

The second phase promises to be thrilling and competitive following the success of first phase. Photo: PHI NONG

The championship is gradually advancing towards professionalism, garnering enthusiastic support from teams and fans due to its high level of competition. This year, nine teams including Da Nang, Sanest Khanh Hoa, Bien Phong, The Cong Tan Cang, Ha Tinh, Ninh Binh, Long An, Ha Noi, and Vinh Long are participating. Teams compete in a single round-robin format across the two phases, eliminating the previous practice of dividing into Groups A and B in Phase 1 and reshuffling into Groups C and D in Phase 2. After the two phases, the top four teams will proceed to the finals to determine the champion.

The fifth-placed team secures their league position and concludes the season, while the bottom four teams face a relegation round. The two lowest-scoring teams will be demoted to the A Division. Phase 1, held in April at Ha Tinh Sports Centre, was lively and engaging. Sanest Khanh Hoa led the standings with 12 points, followed by Bien Phong (11 points), The Cong Tan Cang (10 points), and Da Nang (6 points).

In preparation for Phase 2, teams had the opportunity to reinforce their rosters. Eight of the nine teams (except Ha Noi) registered foreign players, promising to heighten the competition. Sanest Khanh Hoa retained Brazilian Evandro Dias De Souza, a consistent choice by coach Bui Quang Ngoc during Phase 1 and the Hung Vuong Cup. Meanwhile, Ninh Binh recruited Thai spiker Napadet, noted for his defensive prowess in addition to his offensive skills. This addition provides coach Bui Trung Thao with solutions to the team’s weaknesses. Another standout in Phase 2 is Cuban Gonzalez Garcia, playing for Ha Tinh. With a height of 2.4m, an attack reach of 3.7m, and a block reach of 3.4m, he is expected to boost Ha Tinh’s performance.

The Da Nang men’s volleyball team replaced Thai player Thaweerat Thanathat with Russian player Iurri Kruzhkhov. At 30 years old, Kruzhkhov boasts an attack reach of 3.51m and is anticipated to enhance the team’s offensive capabilities. In the 2023-2024 season, he played for Thailand’s Diamond Food Club, helping them reach the national championship finals. His familiarity with Southeast Asian volleyball is seen as an advantage for his integration into the team. Kruzhkhov is the 12th team of his career, having previously won two national championships in Russia and competed in Germany, Italy, Austria, and Hungary.

In addition to Kruzhkhov, Da Nang has registered 15 domestic players, including Nguyen Quang Thinh, Truong Quang Anh Tuan, Tran Cong Phi, and Le Trung Thanh. Most of these players competed with Da Nang in the 2023 championship. The team continues to be coached by Le Nho Thanh and Tran Viet Cuong for Phase 2. According to player Bui Cong Tuan Anh, the National Volleyball Championship is the most important competition of the year, and the team has prepared meticulously. Their fourth-place finish in Phase 1 boosts their confidence for the upcoming matches, where they aim to defend their position.

According to Coach Le Nho Thanh, phase 2 is crucial, determining the final rankings, so the challenges for Da Nang are significant. To achieve good results in our second consecutive season in the national championship, the coaching team organised a month-long training camp in Nha Trang. Ahead of the tournament, the team has also familiarised themselves with the venue conditions in Ba Ria - Vung Tau. The players are in good physical condition, mentally prepared, and ready for the intense and exciting matches ahead.

Reporting by PHI NONG - Translating by TRUC VY