VFF General Secretary Dương Nghiệp Khôi and coach Mai Đức Chung shake hands after signing a contract on May 9 in Hà Nội. Photo of VFF

HÀ NỘI The Việt Nam Football Federation has appointed Mai Đức Chung coach of the national women's senior team for another term.

The national football governing body announced their 1.5-year contract which valids from May 9 to December 21, 2025, on May 9.

Chung, 72, resigned after helping the team win the fourth SEA Games title in a row in 2023. He attributed his resignation to his old age, which made him unsuitable for such a hard job, and to the fact that he needed time for his family.

The VFF also negotiated with several candidates but their talks did not work. The federation decided to persuade Chung to come back and he agreed.

Chung thanked the VFF and the National Coaching Council for trusting him and encouraging him to return to his favourite work.

“This year, we do not have any international competition but we will take part in training courses abroad in July or August," said Chung.

"Players will compete in the domestic league and the champions HCM City will participate in the AFC Women's Champions League. Their performance will be strong base for key event in 2025 such as the Southeast Asian Championship, the 33rd SEA Games, and the Asian Cup qualification.

"The coaching board and I will work hard and concentrate maximumly to complete our missions."

Chung is the most successful coach of the national women side. He took charge of the team four times in 1997, from 2003 to 2005, 2014 and from 2016 to 2023.

Under his reign, the team won six out of Việt Nam's total eight SEA Games golds. His best achievement was to guide the squad to the 2023 World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand. VNS