Former V.League coach lands a highly surprising new destination in Indonesia

It is believed that coach Mauro Jeronimo has accepted an offer to lead Borneo FC, putting him on course to meet Thép Xanh Nam Định again in the 2026/27 Shopee Cup.

Former Thép Xanh Nam Định coach, Mauro Jeronimo is reported to be very close to a new job after leaving the Nam Định team. According to multiple sources from Indonesia, the Portuguese tactician has reached an agreement to manage Borneo FC Samarinda, a club that just finished the 2025/26 season and is preparing for major goals in the new season, including the 2026/27 Shopee Cup.

If this deal is finalized, Mauro Jeronimo will quickly return to Southeast Asian football just weeks after leaving the V.League. This is seen as a suitable move for the 1987-born manager, who has built a certain reputation in Vietnam thanks to his modern football philosophy and ability to build a control-oriented style. During his time at Thép Xanh Nam Định, he helped the team maintain the image of a competitive and distinctive collective.

Notably, fate could create an emotional reunion between Mauro Jeronimo and his former club as early as next season. According to the 2026/27 Shopee Cup draw, Borneo FC is in Group A along with Buriram United, Ratchaburi FC, Tampines Rovers FC, and Kuching City FC. Meanwhile, the remaining spot in this group awaits the winner of the Vietnamese National Cup.

If Thép Xanh Nam Định wins the National Cup, the Nam Định team will qualify for the Shopee Cup and be placed in the same group as Borneo FC. In that case, Mauro Jeronimo will have a chance to face his former players in a highly meaningful match. This will certainly be one of the most anticipated clashes for fans in Vietnam and Indonesia during the group stage.

On Borneo FC's side, the club has just bid farewell to coach Fabio Lefundes after the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. The club's management stated that the Brazilian strategist's departure was due to personal reasons. However, as of now, the Indonesian club has not yet officially announced a successor on its official channels.

Mauro Alexandre Tavares Jeronimo is regarded as one of the most promising young coaches in Portuguese football. He pursues a proactive playing style, emphasizing control of the game, high pressing, and winning the ball in the opponent's half. The flexible 4-3-3 formation is often used by Mauro to create a balance between attack and defense. If he joins Borneo FC, the 38-year-old tactician is expected to bring a fresh breeze to the Indonesian club in their quest to conquer regional competitions next season.