Former Nam Dinh coach agrees to lead an Indonesian football team

Not long after leaving Thep Xanh Nam Dinh, it is believed that coach Mauro Jeronimo swiftly secured a new role, accepting the job to lead Borneo FC Samarinda from Indonesia—a team that will participate in the next Shopee Cup edition.

Interestingly, fate may arrange a special reunion for the Portuguese tactician with his former club.

According to the draw results for the 2026/27 Shopee Cup, Borneo FC has been placed in Group A alongside defending champions Buriram United, Ratchaburi FC, Tampines Rovers FC, and Kuching City FC. Meanwhile, position A5 is still awaiting its occupant, which will be the winner of the Vietnam National Cup.

If Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC wins the National Cup tournament, the representative from the southern city will enter the Shopee Cup as the Vietnam National Cup champion and will fall into Group A. In that case, Mauro Jeronimo will have the opportunity to face the team he previously coached not long ago.

Under Mauro's guidance, Nam Dinh was once a formidable force in Vietnamese football.

In the event that Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC participates in next season's Shopee Cup, the encounter between Nam Dinh and Borneo FC will surely become one of the most notable stories in the group stage.

According to reports from Indonesian media and official club channels, Borneo FC Samarinda has just parted ways with Brazilian coach Fabio Lefundes after the 2025/26 season. The club's management confirmed that this decision was due to personal reasons involving the 53-year-old tactician.

However, as of June 11, Borneo FC has not yet officially announced a new head coach on the club's website.

Mauro Alexandre Tavares Jeronimo (born September 27, 1987) is a Portuguese football coach and former player. He previously led Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC in V.League 1 and PVF-CAND in the National First Division.

Mauro Jeronimo pursues a proactive style of football, focusing on ball control and imposing the game's tempo. He typically operates the team with a flexible 4-3-3 formation, prioritizing high pressing and quick ball recovery in the opponent's half.