Coach Mai Duc Chung was honored to be awarded the title of Labor Hero. This is a recognition of the 50-born coach's persistent contributions to Vietnamese football.
At the age of 75, Mr. Mai Duc Chung is still devoting himself to his coaching career. Previously, at the end of 2023, this strategist announced his departure from the Vietnam women's team. However, in early 2024, coach Mai Duc Chung decided to return, leading the Vietnam women's team to compete in the qualifying round of the 2026 Asian Cup and 33rd SEA Games.
Talking to Lao Dong, coach Mai Duc Chung said: "I returned not to work for hire or pay, but due to the nature of the profession. In addition, I also hope to help Vietnamese football develop further.
I also know that during the time I took a break for about half a year, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) also considered a lot about who to invite, who to choose, and contact them. However, women's football has many difficulties.
First, no domestic coach has met the requirements. I do not promote myself, but my children and grandchildren have not yet taken on this job. As for foreign coaches, they are always there but have to spend a lot of money. At the same time, a lot of money must go hand in hand with achievements. If you spend money and achieve results, then be ready. If it cannot be proven, it will be very difficult.
In such a context, I also thought and my love for the job arose. I am not greedy for money, status, or fame because I do not know if I will be successful or not. Football cannot predict anything. But anyway, I will still dare to take responsibility".
The contract between coach Mai Duc Chung and VFF is valid until the end of 2025. The 75-year-old coach said that in parallel with realizing the goal of women's football, he will strive to train coaches to find a replacement after he officially leaves.
"The difficulty in finding coaches for women's football is because there has not been developed training, there are no classes for senior coaches. There are very few women's football coaches who go to school.
Many people are also hesitant about their qualifications, so they have not gone to school, or they have not thought much about their qualifications. I hope you are confident and register to study.
I personally have prepared. I am training a coach to replace me in leading the team in the future. However, at this time, I am not comfortable saying my name. Everything will still need more time," coach Mai Duc Chung shared.
