What is special about the University of Laos football team?

A BRIDGE OF UNWAVERING FRIENDSHIP

Speaking to Thanh Nien Newspaper, Dr. Khamtanh Somvong, Cultural and Educational Counselor at the Lao Embassy in Vietnam, affirmed that as the head of the Lao University delegation, he is very much looking forward to the start of the 2025 International Student Volunteer Tournament - THACO Cup.

Head coach Amphaivanh Chanthaavong has many years of experience in professional football in Laos.

Mr. Khamtanh Somvong said: "When I received the invitation from the Thanh Nien Newspaper Organizing Committee, I was very happy and proud. I immediately informed Laos so that we could form a team to participate in the student tournament in Vietnam. We have made thorough preparations to contribute to the overall success of the tournament. Initially, we planned to send a team from a specific university in Laos. But after careful discussion, we thought that this team should represent students nationwide in Laos, so we informed four major universities in Laos to select players."

The Lao University football team participating in the 2025 International Student Tournament - THACO Cup in Vietnam includes the best players from four universities: National University Laos, Champasak University, Souphanouvong University, and Savannakhet University. "Lao people, in general, compete anywhere for their country's flag and with high determination. And of course, Lao students are no different. The student sports movement in Laos, including football, is very developed. Therefore, we want to show our best at the tournament organized by Thanh Nien Newspaper, aiming to compete for the highest position. By playing well and striving for the best possible results, the performance of the Lao University team will become a driving force to encourage the student sports movement in Laos to continue developing. More importantly, the international student sports team will be an important bridge, further strengthening the friendship between Laos and Vietnam and other countries in the region, which is already very close and steadfast," Mr. Khamtanh Somvong shared.

A large and prosperous workforce

The head coach of the Lao University football team participating in the 2025 THACO Cup International Student Tournament is Coach Amphaivanh Chanthalavong. Mr. Chanthalavong currently works at the High-Performance Sports Department, Ministry of Education and Sports. He is also the head coach of Namtha United FC, competing in the Lao National Championship 2024-2025 season. Previously, he led Bay Savan futsal club to victory in the Lao Futsal League 2023. According to the coaching staff, the Lao University team participating in this tournament includes 4-5 players who have previously played for clubs competing in the national championship, or for the Lao U.17 and U.19 national teams.

Regarding the preparation process for the tournament, Coach Chanthalavong said that he and his colleagues encountered certain advantages and difficulties. "The University of Laos team will bring together the best student players from four universities. However, because the players are from many different provinces, it's difficult to gather them for training before the tournament. Of course, leading a football team is always challenging, but I enjoy facing challenges. I believe that with 11 years of experience, I can handle any unexpected difficulties that may arise when leading the University of Laos football team," he said.

According to Coach Chanthalavong, the goal of the Lao University team in this tournament is to interact, learn, and exchange culture through football. The team from the land of a million elephants also wants to gain more experience, as the participating teams are from more developed football nations. Commenting on their opponents, Coach Chanthalavong shared: "Certainly, all teams have prepared thoroughly. I believe that the two teams from the host country, Vietnam, will be the best prepared. In addition, the team from Malaysia is also very noteworthy. We will have to put in our best effort. My team and I are eagerly awaiting the day we leave for Vietnam. We would like to thank the organizers for inviting us and providing favorable conditions for the Lao University team. We will do our best on the field and strive to achieve the best possible results."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-bong-truong-dh-lao-co-gi-dac-biet-185250312230917778.htm