Public Security Club kicks off season, aims for V-League promotion

Public Security Club (CAND) officially launched its campaign to conquer the 2026-2027 National First Division, with no goal other than a ticket to the V-League. At the ceremony held in Hanoi, head coach Nguyen Duc Thang and the entire squad received direct encouragement from leaders of the Ministry of Public Security — a rare level of support for a lower-division club. The club chairman promised to 'concretize' the minister's directives and bring the team back to its former home in Vietnam's top flight. Remarkably, before the season, the club's youth training model went through a 'power transfer' when PVF-CAND was converted into Hung Yen Club. This is a deep restructuring move, helping CAND focus its full strength on the first team rather than splitting resources for the youth setup. Consequently, Hung Yen will also compete in the same First Division, creating a special scenario: two clubs with shared police origins playing in the same arena. In reality, CAND's squad for 2026-2027 looks formidable compared to the First Division average. Veteran goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu, who has played in the V-League and for the national team, is a key anchor. Alongside him are experienced names such as Le Viktor, Minh Vuong, Thanh Nhan, plus promising young players like Pham Ly Duc and Pham Minh Phuc. This mix gives the team a rare squad depth for a First Division side. Coach Nguyen Duc Thang is known for a solid defensive philosophy and disciplined organisation. He once led Viettel to the 2026 V-League title with the best defensive record, rather than expansive attacking football. At CAND, the 2026-born strategist is likely to build a safe framework, prioritizing the security of the back line and making full use of goalkeeper Trieu's long passing and distribution to launch quick attacks. With several attacking options including Le Viktor — a Vietnamese-Czech player with European training exposure — the coach can flexibly switch between 4-2-3-1 and a 4-4-2 diamond depending on match circumstances. However, pressure on the police club is immense. The government's 'investment in football development' at ministry level means CAND cannot afford to fail. A draw or loss in the opening match at home before their own fans against a weaker side like Long An would immediately spark criticism from supporters. Conversely, a victory on September 11 would create favorable momentum for the long journey. Financial resources are a structural advantage. While many First Division clubs survive on tight local budgets, CAND receives direct backing from the Ministry of Public Security, from stadiums and facilities to medical and logistics teams. In competitive terms, CAND has been compared to a 'PSG of the First Division' because no opponent can match their spending power. That is why experts are almost certain CAND will remain in the top group — the only question is by how many points they will win the title. But the only automatic promotion spot goes to the champions; the runner-up may have to face a playoff. Therefore, all of Thang's calculations must aim for first place, not second. CAND also needs to carefully manage its relationship with 'little brother' Hung Yen to avoid suspicions of collusion in sensitive matches. The VFF will closely monitor the linked ownership between two police-affiliated clubs, especially when both compete in the same league. So far no violation has been reported, but transparency is still required. Professionally, the recruitment of V-League veterans demonstrates CAND's ambition beyond the First Division. This is a common strategy for promotion-chasing teams: embedding experienced players among energetic youngsters. However, a latent risk is over-reliance on core figures like Nguyen Dinh Trieu. If the goalkeeper suffers an injury, the team's last line will weaken significantly. Can the defense remain solid without their No.1 stopper? The answer will be tested over the rounds. Fitness is another hidden problem. The First Division usually has a dense schedule, plus national cup matches if the team goes deep. A squad of veterans may have experience but may lack the physical freshness to sustain intensity for the entire season. Conversely, if Thang rotates correctly, young players like Pham Ly Duc and Pham Minh Phuc can gain valuable minutes, creating a synergy between youth and veteran composure. This could be decisive in the final stretch. One cannot ignore the atmosphere around the club, where senior officials often watch or take an interest in every match. This boosts motivation but also acts as a double-edged sword. If results deteriorate, the pressure on the coaching staff becomes severe. Thang could be scrutinised after just a few rounds if the club drops points. Tense 1-0 wins from set pieces may well become CAND's 'specialty' this season. Another notable community aspect is the return of the name Cong An Nhan Dan in supporters' hearts. The club won the national title in 2026 and is tied to the golden era of Vietnamese football in the late 20th century. For middle-aged fans, CAND is an unforgettable memory. This promotion campaign is not just about points; it is a chance for older generations to relive glorious days and for new generations to see a historic club being strongly reborn. Looking at the fixture list, the opening match against Long An on September 11, 2026 is perfect for Thang's team to start their winning machine. The southern opponent is usually not highly regarded, and playing at home will allow CAND to control the game from the start. A comfortable victory would send a strong message to all direct rivals. The arrival of Hung Yen as a new club could also change the division's landscape. Despite the transition, they still inherit the training framework from PVF — one of Vietnam's leading youth academies. If CAND represents financial muscle, Hung Yen might bring modern methodology and knowledge from PVF. If both perform impressively, they will create two different poles in the promotion race and make the tournament more interesting. Nevertheless, the relationship between CAND and Hung Yen is something regulators need to clarify. Many countries have introduced strict rules on multi-club ownership to prevent suspicious matches and preserve competitive integrity. Vietnam has no precedent for thorough handling, but with two clubs in the same First Division, the VFF will likely watch closely. Without clear governance separation, certain matches between CAND and Hung Yen could feed speculation — exactly what domestic football does not want. Brand-wise, how a police club's promotion is received is also debatable. If CAHN in the V-League has attracted attention via blockbuster signings, the arrival of another 'police' club could turn the league into a playground for state corporations, far from the colourful local football scene. Yet in a positive light, CAND's success would demonstrate the effectiveness of focused public investment, helping improve player quality and facilities for lower-division teams. Tactically, Thang must also build a Plan B. Many First Division teams will defend deep against CAND, concede possession and wait for counter-attacks. If short-passing football cannot break down a packed defence, CAND needs wing play, crosses or set pieces to make a difference. With good aerial ability among central defenders and tall strikers, dead-ball situations could be a lethal weapon — something that helped Thang's Viettel score plenty of goals in the V-League. It must be stressed that CAND's promotion campaign is not just a dressing-room story. Every move will be scrutinised by the media, because Vietnamese fans are only too familiar with the glorious CAND name. They expect the team to revive its dominant status of the 1990s when CAND was a force in domestic football. Now, with more systematic investment and strict direction from the Ministry of Public Security, the club has every condition to turn dreams into reality. The only remaining question is whether Thang's players have enough guts to overcome the pressure and secure promotion as expected. The ceremony images showed excitement among the players. Veterans such as Nguyen Dinh Trieu and Le Viktor chatted comfortably alongside the young players, creating an open yet determined atmosphere. That partly reflects a healthy dressing room where leadership roles are shared. This is the foundation for the team to get through the hardest phases of a long season. Beyond the pitch, CAND supporters in various provinces are ready for a bright season. Fan groups have begun planning their travels with the team. That enthusiasm proves the CAND name still holds strong appeal, enough to revive the youth of many who have experienced many seasons. They come to the stadium not just to see the home team win, but also to cry and laugh together with the collective that is striving to continue its golden history. Perhaps, for them, every goal this season is a fragmented memory being fulfilled. The future is a long journey, but CAND's starting point is well prepared. From financial resources and personnel to top-level support, the police team has no reason to slip. The real challenge comes not from opponents but from managing emotions and pressure. If they overcome that, CAND's return to the V-League is no longer a matter of 'if' but simply a matter of time.