Lam Dong Football Team Steps Up Preparations for First Division
After a short break following the conclusion of the 2026 Second Division, the Lam Dong football team has resumed training and is actively preparing for the new season in the First Division after an extended absence from the competition.
A Smile on the Training Ground
Measuring 1.83 meters in height and weighing 71 kilograms, goalkeeper Vu Ngoc Manh, born in 2001 and hailing from Don Duong, showcased his impressive physique and nimble movements during a training session with the Lam Dong football team.
In a goalkeeper drill, Ngoc Manh repeatedly passed the ball to his fellow goalkeeper Truong Lam Nhat. Ngoc Manh and Lam Nhat are well acquainted, having been teammates since their early days at the Lam Dong U13 football talent academy, where they began their training before progressing in their careers and competing in the Second Division.
"I am thrilled to see our team back in the First Division. Most of the players have been together since childhood, so we know each other very well," Ngoc Manh remarked. Ngoc Manh's return, along with his experience in the First Division over the past two seasons, makes the Lam Nhat–Ngoc Manh partnership a significant boost for the team.
In addition to Ngoc Manh, Lam Dong has also acquired several seasoned players from the First Division, including midfielder Bui Xuan Loc. Born in 1998 and originally from Quang Binh Province (now Quang Tri Province), the player has previously competed for Phu Dong, Dong Nai, and Khanh Hoa in the national First Division. Standing at 1.71 meters and weighing 68 kilograms, Xuan Loc is expected to add strength to the team.
“The Lam Dong players are very warm and sociable, so I have found it easy to fit in. The weather in Da Lat is also wonderful, and playing here is an exciting experience,” Xuan Loc said.
Staying in the First Division
According to Tran Van Toan, head coach of the Lam Dong football team, all 24 players contributed to Lam Dong's promotion from the Second Division in the 2026 season and will remain for the upcoming First Division season.
However, due to the high level of competition in the new league, the current squad requires reinforcement with quality players. “We are working to enhance the squad with players who possess strong technical skills. So far, we've selected six players to join Lam Dong,” Toan stated.
The six new recruits consist of midfielders and central defenders, with four coming from Khanh Hoa and two from Truong Tuoi Dong Nai. “The team still needs to bring in a few more strikers. We have several players in mind, but the challenge lies in securing enough funding to provide competitive salaries and attract quality players to Lam Dong,” Toan concluded.
In agreement with Toan, Le Tri Dung, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Sports Training and Competition Center, noted that the team should add about 10 more players, increasing the total roster to 30 in order to fulfill the requirements for competing in the First Division. Additionally, the coaching staff will be expanded with more members.
Our biggest goal is to remain in the First Division following our return to the league
Le Tri Dung, Deputy Director in charge of the Lam Dong Sports Training and Competition Center
Furthermore, relevant authorities have proposed increasing financial support to help the team maintain a stable and long-term presence in the First Division.
As per the proposal, the First Division season for 2026-2027 is anticipated to start in late September. With limited time remaining for preparations, the Lam Dong Sports Training and Competition Center, along with the team, is diligently finalizing the roster and gearing up for the upcoming season.