CAND FC officially launches 2026/27 season: Transfers youth team to Hung Yen, targets V.League promotion and sustainable development

On the morning of April 15, 2026, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Public Security, CAND Football Club (CAND FC) held its launch ceremony for the 2026/27 season, featuring several key events. The highlight was the transfer of the PVF-CAND youth system to Hung Yen FC, a strategic move to restructure and focus resources on the first team. The ceremony was attended by Senior Lieutenant General Luong Tam Quang, Minister of Public Security, along with representatives from relevant units. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Luong Tam Quang emphasized: 'CAND FC must develop worthy of its name, not only stopping at domestic achievements but also reaching out regionally and internationally. This is both a responsibility and a pride for the People's Public Security forces.' He also praised the club's contributions to the national team's success at the 2026 ASEAN Cup, where CAND players left a strong mark. The transfer of the PVF-CAND youth team to Hung Yen FC is seen as a strategic step to preserve and develop the youth training system, while allowing CAND FC to focus fully on the goal of promotion to V.League. Accordingly, all facilities, academies, and young players under PVF-CAND will be transferred to Hung Yen, a club competing in the National First Division. This not only ensures continuity in training but also creates healthy competition within Vietnam's football system. In terms of personnel, CAND FC announced several new contracts for the 2026/27 season. Veteran goalkeeper Dinh Trieu is expected to bring solidity to the goal. Additionally, naturalized striker Viktor Le and young midfielder Minh Vuong have joined the club, promising to strengthen the attack. Meanwhile, the coaching staff continues to place trust in young talents like Ly Duc, Thanh Nhan, and Minh Phuc, who have shown remarkable progress recently. Club Chairman Colonel Duong Duc Hai affirmed: 'We are building a professional, modern, and sustainable development roadmap. The immediate goal is to win promotion to V.League next season. In the long term, we want to make CAND FC one of Vietnam's leading clubs, capable of competing in regional and continental tournaments.' To achieve this, the club has developed detailed tactical and training plans. Although no specific formation has been announced, experts believe CAND FC will prioritize possession-based play combined with the flexibility of young players. The arrival of Dinh Trieu strengthens the defense, while Viktor Le and Minh Vuong provide diverse attacking options. Furthermore, the youth team transfer to Hung Yen opens opportunities for young players to gain regular playing time, rather than facing intense competition at CAND FC's first team. This helps them accumulate real-match experience, preparing for bigger challenges ahead. Financially, CAND FC is backed by the Ministry of Public Security, one of Vietnam's most resourceful agencies. This shields the club from budget risks that many other teams face. However, performance pressure is immense as expectations from leadership and fans continue to rise. In his speech, Minister Luong Tam Quang also noted that the club must 'develop worthy of its name' – a strong message reflecting expectations for comprehensive change. He emphasized: 'We have made important contributions to the national team, but that is just the beginning. CAND FC must become a symbol of professionalism and resilience in Vietnamese football.' Assessing the impact of the youth team transfer, many experts consider it a wise decision. The PVF-CAND system has been well-invested, with modern facilities and experienced coaching staff. Transferring it to Hung Yen not only maintains training quality but also brings fresh momentum to Hung Yen football, a province aiming to rise in the First Division. Hung Yen FC also expressed excitement about receiving trust from the Ministry of Public Security. A representative stated: 'We are committed to maximizing the potential of the PVF-CAND system, making Hung Yen a shining spot for youth training in the North.' Meanwhile, CAND FC fans are eager for the new season. On football forums, many believe focusing on the first team and the V.League promotion target is entirely reasonable. Some expressed regret over the youth team's departure, but overall support the club's long-term strategy. Looking back at history, CAND FC was once one of Vietnam's most traditional clubs. Founded in the 1970s, the team experienced many ups and downs. Its golden era was the 1980s-1990s when the club continuously won domestic titles. However, entering the 21st century, the club gradually lost its position due to fierce competition from private clubs. The strong comeback under the Ministry of Public Security in recent years promises a new, promising chapter. In the 2026/26 season, CAND FC competed in the First Division and finished 3rd, narrowly missing promotion. With quality additions and organizational stability, the club aims to finish in the top two next season to officially enter V.League – Vietnam's top league. To achieve this, the coaching staff is actively preparing for the pre-season period. Training sessions are held at high intensity, combining fitness and tactics. Newcomers like Viktor Le and Minh Vuong are quickly adapting to the team's style. Viktor Le – a Vietnamese-origin player born in the Czech Republic – is expected to be a key striker thanks to his speed and technical skills. Young players Ly Duc, Thanh Nhan, and Minh Phuc are also given more playing time in friendlies. These are talents who have proven themselves at youth level and are gradually securing spots in the first team. In terms of media, the event received significant attention from domestic press. Major newspapers like Tuoi Tre, Thanh Nien, and VnExpress covered the ceremony with positive perspectives. Football experts praised the youth team transfer strategy, considering it a model for other clubs to follow. However, not everyone is optimistic. Some opinions suggest losing the youth team could affect CAND FC's long-term development. But the club's leadership affirms they will maintain close cooperation with Hung Yen to ensure a steady supply of young talent in the future. Overall, the 2026/27 season promises to be an important turning point for CAND FC. With strong backing from the Ministry of Public Security, a strengthened squad, and a clear development strategy, the club stands a great chance of returning to the top of Vietnamese football. The question remains whether they can turn expectations into reality. Only time will tell. During the ceremony, Minister Luong Tam Quang also awarded certificates of merit to collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in training and competition. This is a well-deserved recognition for the team's continuous efforts. For fans, belief in a bright future for CAND FC is growing. The traditional red shirts of the club, once dominant on Vietnamese pitches, are gradually returning. And with strategic moves like this, the dream of a powerful CAND FC may not be far away. This article summarizes the entire event, analysis, and assessments from reliable sources. Hopefully, it provides readers with a comprehensive view of CAND FC's future in the new season.