Japanese expert to manage Vietnam national football team

Nhan Dan Online – The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has put Japanese expert Toshiya Miura in charge of the men’s national football team and the national Olympic team from 2014 to 2016.

VFF General Secretary Le Hoai Anh congratulates newly appointed coach Toshiya Miura. (Source: VFF)
VFF General Secretary Le Hoai Anh congratulates newly appointed coach Toshiya Miura. (Source: VFF)

The appointment was made when the two sides reached a consensus on a two-year contract at a meeting in Hanoi on May 8.

Toshiya’s first challenge in charge will be the 2014 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup, with the qualifying round to be held in Vientiane from October 8-19 and the finals taking place between November 22 and December 20 in Vietnam and Singapore.

Toshiya Miura was born on July 16, 1963 in Kamaishi, Iwate. He began his coaching career in 1997 at Vegalta Sendai Club, which played in Japan’s top-tier football league, the J-League.

He then served as manager of many different Japanese teams including Mito HollyHock (1998), Omiya Ardija (2000-2001, 2004-2006), Consadole Sapporo (2007-2008), Vissel Kobe (2009-2010) and Ventforet Kofu (2010-2011).

During his 14 years as a football manager, Toshiya experienced over 100 J-League matches and is said to be an energetic and enthusiastic trainer.

Asked about his appointment, Toshiya expressed his great pleasure as the first Japanese trainer to lead the Vietnam national football team and pledged to do his utmost to get the best results with the national team at the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup.

With his abundant experience, accumulated from years of training professional Japanese football clubs, it is believed Toshiya Miura will refresh the national and national Olympic teams, moving towards positive results at future international competitions in line with the expectations of Vietnamese football fans.

A press conference will be held at the Park Hyattt Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City on May 10 to give an official reception to the newly appointed coach.

VFF/ Translated by Nhan Dan Online