Kim Sang Sik encouraged the 5 players who were dropped from the Vietnam U22 team.
On the morning of November 30th, coach Kim Sang Sik finalized the 23-player squad for the Vietnam U22 team participating in the SEA Games 33 (December 3-20, Thailand), dropping 5 players and sending words of encouragement, guiding them towards the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.
On the morning of November 30th, coach Kim Sang Sik finalized the list of 23 Vietnamese U22 players for the SEA Games 33 in Thailand (December 3-20), while simultaneously dropping five players after a comprehensive assessment of their form, physical condition, and tactical readiness. The South Korean coach offered words of encouragement, hoping they would maintain their spirits to continue competing for a spot in the 2026 U23 Asian Championship finals, which will take place in January 2026.
A difficult decision, and 5 names were eliminated.
According to information from the Vietnam Football Federation, the reduction aims to ensure a balanced squad and suitability for tactical requirements at the SEA Games 33. The five players dropped are spread across all positions:
| Player | Location |
|---|---|
| Le Van Ha | Defender |
| Dinh Quang Kiet | Defender |
| Tran Thanh Trung | Midfielder |
| Nguyen Duc Viet | Midfielder |
| Bui Vi Hao | Forward |
Speaking to the media, coach Kim Sang Sik admitted to the pressure of the selection process: “I lost sleep over having to choose. All the players train and live professionally, but I am forced to make the best decision for the team.” The Vietnam Football Federation emphasized: “These are all players who have worked hard in training, however, the coaching staff had to make the optimal choice to ensure team balance and suitability for the tactical requirements at the SEA Games 33.”
A message for those who stay and those who leave the game.
At the latest internal meeting, the South Korean coach encouraged the five players who were dropped from the squad, urging them not to be discouraged and to continue training so they can try again. The immediate goal is the 2026 U23 Asian Championship, where opportunities to compete will open up for those who maintain good form and fitness.
From a professional standpoint, the decision to narrow the squad down to 23 players after several training camps and camps in 2025 clearly demonstrates a objective: meeting tactical requirements and achieving balance across all positions. The decisions to exclude defenders, midfielders, and forwards reflect an effort to optimize the team's structure for the demanding SEA Games schedule.
Bui Vi Hao and his unfinished story at the SEA Games
By not being included in the squad for Thailand this time, striker Bui Vi Hao has missed the SEA Games for the third consecutive time. This is the harsh reality of youth selection, where competition for each position is fierce and directly influenced by form, physical condition, and tactical suitability during each preparation cycle.
SEA Games 33: Timeline and Focus
The 33rd SEA Games will take place from December 3-20 in Thailand. With 23 players already finalized, the Vietnam U22 team is entering the final stage of preparation, prioritizing cohesion, tactical discipline, and physical fitness for competition. Given the limited time available, the effectiveness of each training session and the ability to execute the plan will be key.
As coach Kim Sang Sik himself shared, these were sleepless but necessary decisions to protect the collective interest. For those who remain, it's a greater responsibility; for those who are temporarily out of the game, the door remains open if they remain steadfast in their goal of qualifying for the 2026 U23 Asian Championship.
