A dream come true

(Baonghean) - Those in the profession have been talking a lot about him, a coach who, despite his young age and limited experience, dares to think big and act boldly. When SLNA lacked the funds for the U.13 team to participate in the national tournament, he repeatedly offered his services, even willing to pay out of his own pocket. His passion for football led General Director Nguyen Hong Thanh to change his mind and gain his support. The convincing championship victory is an invaluable reward for his willpower and ambition.

Ten difficult years

We are talking about coach Tran Quang Dung, who made a special mark in the U.13 SLNA team's championship victory at the national tournament recently held in Khanh Hoa.

Although not part of the generation of famous players who played for SLNA in the 1990s, Tran Quang Dung received very thorough football training. He participated in local football talent classes and gained experience through many amateur tournaments. Afterward, he successfully passed the entrance exam to the Central University of Physical Education and Sports No. 1, majoring in Football.

With playing experience and formal training, after graduating (in 2003), Tran Quang Dung was accepted into the Song Lam academy. Whether by chance or not, Tran Quang Dung was also assigned the task of managing and training the academy's U.13 team. However, before his passion could fully ignite, a challenge arose. At that time, the age fraud scandal in 2001 at SLNA was exposed. As a consequence, SLNA's U.11 and U.13 teams were banned from national competitions for a long period.

Everything was turned upside down, and Tran Quang Dung was also significantly affected. After that, his most memorable moment was winning the championship with the SLNA U.17 team, where he participated as an assistant coach. After experiencing many youth teams, Tran Quang Dung returned to his familiar "cycle" at the Song Lam academy by leading the U.10 team in 2011.

At this time, General Director Nguyen Hong Thanh had returned, and youth training had become very systematic. Tran Quang Dung seemed to rekindle his passion. The difficulty at this point was the issue of funding. Due to financial pressure, SLNA's U teams from ages 10 to 15 had almost no opportunities to compete, even in tournaments within the Vietnam Football Federation's system.

Glory beckons.

He coached the U.13 team at a time when the team hadn't participated in the national league for five years due to financial reasons. As a coach, he understood the disappointment of his students. Based on his knowledge and experience, Tran Quang Dung believed that the lack of competitive experience for young players over many years, besides hindering their professional development, would also diminish their willpower and ambition.

Coach Tran Quang Dung surrounded by fans welcoming the U.13 team at Vinh train station.

According to the plan from the beginning of the year, SLNA's leadership still did not intend to send the U.13 team to participate in the national tournament. Coach Tran Quang Dung had proposed this many times, but it was not accepted. Near the deadline for registering teams, he personally met with General Director Nguyen Hong Thanh and suggested that if the club faced financial difficulties, he and his assistant would contribute their own money, and the players would also accept reduced allowances so that they could participate. "Seeing Dung's desire and determination, I was moved. The club was facing difficulties, but I discussed it with the relevant departments to balance and allocate funds for the U.13 team to participate in the tournament. That was necessary; for young players, losing their morale is something to be avoided and can easily lead to negative consequences…," General Director Nguyen Hong Thanh confided.

Having been accepted to participate in the tournament, even the most optimistic person could only dream that the U.13 team would be among the medal winners. The reason is that, besides having a weaker squad this year, the SLNA U.13 team also has to face top football centers like PVF, Viettel, HN.T&T, and Ho Chi Minh City… For coach Tran Quang Dung, the challenge is even greater. On the very first night he arrived in Thai Binh to prepare for the qualifying round, he received the devastating news that his father had passed away. Leaving behind many plans and aspirations for his assistant Xuan Cuong, he returned home to mourn his father.

Knowing the sad story of Tran Quang Dung's family, his assistant and students were determined not to let their coach's grief be doubled. They excelled in the group stage to qualify for the finals held in Khanh Hoa. Putting aside the sorrow of losing a loved one, Tran Quang Dung returned to the team.

They weren't considered the favorites of the season. But with his exceptional motivational skills, Tran Quang Dung maximized the strengths of each individual and the team as a whole, overcoming formidable opponents one after another and ultimately winning the championship after a 10-year wait.

After winning this prestigious championship, Tran Quang Dung became more widely known. This is important and creates a highlight in his coaching career.

Vinh Liem