Mr. Vinh passed away at 3h30 today at his private residence in TP HCM. HAGL Chief Operating Officer Nguyen Tan Anh stated that he "passed away peacefully" surrounded by his family.
Born in 1942 in Hanoi, former coach Nguyen Van Vinh played for The Cong alongside renowned players Le The Tho and Tran Duy Long. After the country's reunification, he and his family moved to TP HCM.
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Former technical director Nguyen Van Vinh (left) converses with coach Kiatisuk Senamuang while leading HAGL in 2021. Photo: Kiatisuk Senamuang |
After his playing career, Mr. Vinh transitioned to coaching, leading The Cong, Cong Nghiep Thuc Pham TP HCM, Cong An TP HCM, Tien Giang, Da Nang, and HAGL. At the national team level, he coached Vietnam U19 in 1999 and was part of the national team's coaching staff for SEA Games tournaments from 1995-1999.
Mr. Vinh was recognized for his understanding of tactics and theory. This expert significantly contributed to the development of football in TP HCM, An Giang, and especially HAGL.
From 2002, chairman Duc invited Mr. Vinh to work at HAGL FC, where he became a key figure, leading the team from the First Division to two V-League championships in 2003 and 2004. Mr. Vinh is considered Vietnam's first true technical director. Kiatisuk Senamuang, a top Southeast Asian superstar playing for HAGL at the time, expressed gratitude for Mr. Vinh's support.
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Mr. Nguyen Van Vinh (right) participated in the Ethics Advisory Board of the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) in 2013. Photo: Duc Dong |
On his personal Facebook page, Kiatisuk wrote: "Rest in peace, coach Vinh. Thank you for taking such good care of me both on and off the field. You were always there to guide and help me from day one, right when I came to Vietnam to play. We achieved success together. You sacrificed your time and dedicated all your energy to HAGL during my time here. I will always remember you, dear coach."
In 2007, Mr. Vinh also contributed to establishing the HAGL Arsenal JMG Academy. Two years later, he resigned from the club due to declining health. However, former coach Nguyen Van Vinh continued to be involved in youth football activities, working as a commentator and football expert, and spent time working at the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF). From 2020, he ceased participating in football activities, remaining with his family before passing away this morning.
Hieu Luong
