"Entering the V-League this year was rushed, but the team has prepared quickly to achieve the best possible results," Major General Le Van said at the team's send-off ceremony on 12/8. "Playing in the V-League is an honor and a significant milestone for the club. A professional playing spirit, unique identity, and dedication are the foundations for conquering higher goals."

PVF-CAND finished third in the 2024-2025 First Division but replaced Quang Nam and Dong Nai (formerly Binh Phuoc) in the V-League. Quang Nam withdrew due to insufficient players and financial capacity, while the previous season's First Division runners-up, Dong Nai, declined the replacement spot, feeling unprepared for the V-League.

Major General Le Van, chairman of PVF-CAND, speaks at the club's send-off ceremony at the PVF Youth Football Training Center, Hung Yen on 12/8/2025. Photo: Hieu Luong

Major General Le Van, chairman of PVF-CAND, speaks at the club's send-off ceremony at the PVF Youth Football Training Center, Hung Yen on 12/8/2025. Photo: Hieu Luong

This decision was finalized on 2/8. As a special case, PVF-CAND was given additional time to arrange their squad, until 5 PM on 8/8, instead of 1/8 like other teams. PVF-CAND's agreement to replace Quang Nam also prevented the need for a redraw of the V-League fixtures.

PVF-CAND will play their opening match against SLNA at home on 17/8.

Their domestic players include several with experience playing at the U19 and U23 Vietnam levels. Notably, center-back Nguyen Hieu Minh and midfielder Nguyen Xuan Bac recently made their mark by winning the 2025 AFF U-23 Championship with the Vietnam U23 team. PVF-CAND, currently led by coach Thach Bao Khanh, also has some players with V-League experience like midfielder Nguyen Huy Hung, defenders Le Ngoc Bao and Nguyen Van Dung, and goalkeeper Phi Minh Long.

PVF-CAND quickly added former V-League players such as goalkeeper Do Sy Huy, midfielder Truong Van Thai Quy and Do Van Thuan, and Nigerian-born naturalized striker Hoang Vu Samson. The four foreign player slots are filled by center-back Alain Eyenga, midfielder Joseph Mpande, and forwards Joseph Khalio and Amarildo.

In addition, they have committed to improving their facilities to ensure smooth match organization. This includes installing an additional stand (Stand B) to increase the capacity of PVF Stadium in Hung Yen from 4,500 to 10,000 seats, the minimum requirement for the V-League. The stand must also be equipped to operate VAR.

PVF-CAND squad for the 2025-2026 V-League. Photo: Hieu Luong

PVF-CAND squad for the 2025-2026 V-League. Photo: Hieu Luong

Despite the limited time, coach Thach Bao Khanh is excited and sees this as an interesting challenge. "The players are eager to compete in the V-League and are training hard, knowing that it's very different from the First Division," the former Vietnam national team player said. "Our goal is to avoid relegation this season, but we will strive to stay in the V-League as long as possible."

Coach Khanh expects the veteran players and foreign players to guide the younger players towards a more mature and balanced performance. Concerns about fitness have also been dismissed by the former The Cong coach. "The players have just competed in the AFF U-23 Championship and the U21 National Championship, so fitness is not an issue," Khanh said. "We are focusing on perfecting tactical skills, reducing training volume, and enhancing their ability to play under pressure."

PVF-CAND was founded in 2018, initially named Pho Hien. They changed their name to the current one when they were transferred to the Ministry of Public Security in 2023. PVF-CAND has twice competed in the V-League promotion playoffs, but lost both times, in 2019 against Thanh Hoa and in 2024 against Ha Tinh.

With PVF-CAND's promotion, the Public Security sector will have three teams in the V-League. The other two are Cong An Ha Noi and Cong An TP HCM (renamed from TP HCM Club).

Hieu Luong