Speculation has been rife over Chanvit's future after the experienced coach reportedly met an official from Dong Thap on the night when Thailand sealed a 2-0 away win over Vietnam in the Asean Football Championship semi-final first leg at the end of last month.

A fortnight ago, Chanvit fanned the flames by saying he would take charge of the V-League newcomers if they offer him a lucrative contract that would be good enough for him to resign from the national team post and his bureaucratic career. This was followed by rumours that Dong Thap might not be able to match his expectations.

Ending all speculation, Chanvit revealed yesterday that he had decided to accept Dong Thap's offer.

"On Saturday, I will fly to Vietnam to officially sign a contract with Dong Thap. I will sign only on a yearly basis, though, they have offered a three-year contract. I would like to keep the option open for both parties," said Chanvit.

"After the first year, I might receive better offers from others or if the outcome is not good they would also have the right to find another coach to replace me. So, it would be better if I first sign a year-long contract."

Chanvit was tight-lipped over the details of the contract: "I cannot reveal the exact figure of the money but it is a full-option contract, which includes residence, vehicle, and bonus.

"The target for the first year is to stay on in the league because Dong Thap have just been promoted to the top division. In the first phase of the season, I can do nothing about the players but when it enters the latter stage I might consider drafting some Thai players into the team," said Chanvit.

He was quick to confirm that he had never thought of coaching Vietnam's national team and appealed to local fans to accept his decision.

"I will take the post [of coach] only at club-level. I will definitely not take over as coach of other national teams in the region. Previously, Cambodia and Vietnam had contacted me to coach their national teams, but I refused all of them," said Chanvit.

On the possibility of returning to the Thai team, he said "If I receive another chance from the Football Association of Thailand [FAT], I certainly will grab it.

"I believe the fans would understand my decision, which I made purely from my coaching career point of view. I don't think my resignation would have an impact on the national team. Who will succeed me is up to FAT to decide. Personally, I think we should allow another Thai coach to take the post," said Chanvit.

Worawi Makudi, the FAT secretary-general, said the the association would not stand in Chanvit's way and they would consider a suitable successor later, which should be made known before the Thailand Premier League starts in March.

Meanwhile, former French international midfielder Zinedine 'Zizou' Zidane will return to the field for a charity match, which will be held at Chiang Mai's Municipal Stadium on February 24.

Zidane will play in the full-time 'Adidas Impossible Match' for the first time since his retirement and he will also hold a football clinic for local children before the game.

It will be a competition between the Predator team, spearheaded by the French legend, and the F50 team led by former Thai star striker Piyapong Pew-on.

The special match also features some of the Thai national players -Tawan Sripan, Terdsak Chaiman, Dassakorn Thonglao, Niwet Siriwong, Kosin Hatairatanakul -and some top players from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Adidas will donate a total of 1,000 balls to Chiang Mai for developing the sport in the province. Pro-ceeds will go to the Kua-Daroon foundation. The match will start at 1.30pm. Admis-sion fee is free.