FAST AS A SQUIRREL
Sitting with me at a coffee shop on Le Hong Phong Street (District 10, Ho Chi Minh City), Mr. Nguyen Hoang Minh (Minh nhi) recalled the unforgettable memories of his life 40 years ago, when he was still playing football. He shared with emotion: "Until now, I am still very happy and proud of the nickname Minh nhi that fans and brothers in the Hai Quan football team gave me since 1978. Because I was small, less than 1.6 m tall, running quickly, weaving like a squirrel and always rushing forward, everyone kept saying that this little guy was so agile and dangerous. The name Minh nhi was born from that. And throughout my time playing football until now, everyone has called me in a familiar and affectionate way like that".
Former football star Minh nhi
Minh Nhi (holding the flag) and the Customs team won the runner-up position in the 1982 - 1983 national championship.
PHOTO: DOCUMENT
Like many other players, Minh Nhi started playing football at school in his hometown of Cao Lanh ( Dong Thap ). Throughout his career, he has always impressed with his strong physical foundation, good endurance, extremely skillful personal techniques, quick running steps and impeccable passing skills. Before playing for the Customs team, he played for the Xa Cang Mien Tay football team under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport. It was a young team, playing very "fiercely" in the Ho Chi Minh City B-League. Along with a very good group of players at that time such as Hua Hien Triet, Hoa Dinh Dung, Phan Van Tan, Minh Nhi soon shone in the role of attacking midfielder, a position very suitable for players with small stature.
Minh Nhi's memorable goal
Mr. Minh Nhi recalled: "At that time, wearing the Hai Quan team shirt was a great honor. I have never forgotten the feeling of emotion and joy when I first stepped into Thong Nhat Stadium , even the night before I was so nervous that I couldn't sleep. When I was placed in the starting lineup next to big names like Ho Thanh Cang, Le Van Sang (Sang Tieu), Le Kim Thanh (Binh Dwarf), Khanh Hung, I was extremely proud". In his first season playing for Hai Quan, Minh Nhi quickly created trust for his teammates and was promoted to play right forward. He controlled the ball very well, was very flexible, and had fast turns to escape opponents easily. Former player Minh Nhi shared: "Thanks to my talent and also because I am small, I can turn quickly, handle movements quickly and neatly".
Minh Nhi (middle row, left cover) in the HCM City team jersey
PHOTO: DOCUMENT
Until now, those who love Ho Chi Minh City football in the early 80s of the last century, surely cannot help but remember the decisive goal that Minh Nhi scored against the Department of Industry in the final match of the A1 tournament in Ho Chi Minh City, to bring the championship to Hai Quan. It was a solo shot close to the sideline with superb technique and incredible speed. With the ball on the left sideline right in front of the A3 stand, nearly 30 meters from the goal, Minh Nhi was as quick as a squirrel, dribbling the ball as if there was no one around, past a series of famous defenders at that time such as Tran Luong, Vo Van Bien, Nguyen Van Em and finally past goalkeeper Minh Ly to score. The entire Thong Nhat stadium seemed to explode with this wonderful goal. A goal like a masterpiece showing the confidence, intelligence, quickness and class of Minh Nhi. After the match, he was carried around the field by his teammates.
Minh Nhi tearfully recalled: "At that time, I was so happy that I went crazy, my mind was so dizzy that I couldn't hear the cheers that echoed throughout the stands. Until now, the feeling of elation and happiness is still intact in my memory. Because that was a goal for life, an unforgettable mark."
THE FIRST GENERAL OF HO CHI MINH CITY FOOTBALL
Minh Nhi had the great honor of becoming the first grandmaster of Ho Chi Minh City football in 1980. At that time, the sports industry's regulations were that only one person in the team that won the bronze medal could be awarded the title of grandmaster. Winning third place in the national championship after the General Department of Railways team and the Hanoi Police team, the Customs team only had one grandmaster position. Minh Nhi was trusted by the leaders and teammates to be nominated to receive this title.
Minh Nhi (left) in a dispute with his opponent
PHOTO: DOCUMENT
At that time, the title of football grandmaster was an extremely valuable title, honoring the player's contribution not only to Ho Chi Minh City football but also demonstrating his influence in style, effectiveness in competition, ability to inspire and spread cultural values to fans as well as the next generation. Wherever he went, he was honored, praised, and respected by many teams and colleagues. He once played for the VN 1 team (with the core of Ho Chi Minh City and non-military players), competing in the SKDA tournament in 1984, having heroic matches with teams from Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Minh Nhi recounted: "Although we were not able to play football abroad, we were able to compete with players from advanced football backgrounds, and we gradually became more confident. The more we played, the more we learned and improved. At that time, my Customs team played very well against international teams. There were many matches such as against Bong Lua Club, Giangirit or the Bulgarian and Angolan Army, and we always contributed many good moves that thrilled the audience."
Playing football at the top level for more than 10 years from 1978 until his retirement (due to injury in 1989), Minh Nhi, along with Nguyen Van Thanh and Luu Tan Liem, formed a "trio" that roamed from north to south. He confided: "Although my football career was not as long as many others, I am always proud that I have devoted all my strength, intelligence and effort. It is just a pity that due to injury, I had to retire early at the age of 31, so I could not put on my shoes and enter international arenas to fight side by side with the generation of the same age." Former striker Minh Nhi emphasized that he has no regrets because he has left many indelible marks on the field.
Saying goodbye to the top level, Minh Nhi is still attached to grassroots football, still playing regularly and participating in coaching and activities with former national team players. Compared to many other colleagues of the same age, in the past 20 years, Minh Nhi has regularly played for many teams from U.50 to U.60 and recently U.70. In the match between the golden generation of Vietnam and the former French player at Thong Nhat Stadium 13 years ago, Minh Nhi, although the oldest on the field, ran well and every time he touched the ball, still excited the audience. Thanks to his good physical strength and dedication, Minh Nhi is always invited by friends abroad to compete. Over the years, he has gone to the US to compete in tournaments in Dallas, San Diego or Los Angeles. Wherever he goes, he is admired for his dedicated play, creating a great source of motivation and inspiring everyone. (continued)
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuu-danh-thu-viet-nam-mot-thoi-vang-bong-minh-nhi-nho-ma-co-vo-185250424220351077.htm
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