The shortlist of contenders for Vietnamese football's most prestigious awards, the Golden Ball, was announced yesterday in a press conference in HCM City.

After a selection process participated by journalists nationwide, the organisers announced a shortlist of five candidates for each Golden Ball award. Three candidates have been shortlisted for the foreign and young player of the year awards.

Midfielders Huynh Quoc Anh, Nguyen Minh Phuong and Le Tan Tai were said to be strong contenders for the men's Golden Ball award, while goalkeeper Dang Thi Kieu Trinh, captain and defender Le Thi Thuong and striker Nguyen Thi Muon would be in the lead for the women's Golden Ball award.

Midfielders Ngo Hoang Thinh, Tran Phi Son and Duong Thanh Hao will vie for the best young player award this year, while strikers Gaston Merlo, Antonio Carlos and Gonzalo Marronkle are in contention for the best foreign of the year honour.

Besides the traditional prizes, organisers have this year introduced a new one for the best young female player of the year.

Chuong Thi Kieu of HCM City and Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung and Nguyen Thi Nguyet, both of Ha Nam, are contenders for the new award. The prize money for the awards remain unchanged. The best female and male footballer will receive the Golden Ball trophy and VND40 million (US$1,900) each.

The prize-giving ceremony will be held on May 7 at Military Theatre, Tan Binh District, HCM City. — VNS