Ambitious semi-professional club model

The Dong Nai University of Technology football team erupted with joy after securing a ticket to the finals of the THACO Cup 2024.

For the first time in history

The most notable new feature of the 2nd Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament - THACO Cup 2024 (TNSV THACO Cup 2024) is the first-ever regional qualifying round for the Southeast region, with the participation of representatives from the provinces of Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Duong, and Dong Nai . Overcoming five other formidable opponents, the Dong Nai University of Technology (DUT) team excellently secured the only qualifying spot, becoming the first representative from the Southeast region to participate in the final round, which will take place at Ton Duc Thang University from March 16th to 31st.

At Bau Thanh Stadium (Long Dien District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province), the Dong Nai University of Technology team had an emotional and convincing qualifying campaign. Led by Coach Nguyen Hoang Minh, who is a match supervisor for professional leagues of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the team from Dong Nai province got off to a good start with a crucial 2-1 victory against their biggest opponent in Group A, Thu Dau Mot University from Binh Duong Province, a team with impressive physiques, many players nearly 1.80m tall, and a skillful playing style.

After defeating Vietnam Petroleum University in the second match, Coach Nguyen Hoang Minh's team entered the play-off against the strongest team in Group B, Binh Duong University, where player Ngo Phuc Nam scored a precious goal in the 80+3 minute, giving Dong Nai University of Technology a breathtaking victory and securing the only ticket to represent the Southeast region in the final round of the THACO Cup 2024.

Players from Dong Nai University of Technology team at the Southeast region qualifying round.

Coach Nguyen Hoang Minh commented: "This is the first time we've organized a regional qualifying round in the Southeast region, so everything is an unknown quantity, but the participating teams all have good professional skills. In our opening match against Thu Dau Mot University, we were very surprised by their lineup and tactics. They are a very strong opponent, and Dong Nai University of Technology had a bit of luck to overcome them in the opening match. In the play-off match, we faced Binh Duong University, which is also very strong and has dangerous players. The Dong Nai University of Technology team fought until the very last minute to win. It can be said that our journey in the qualifying round of the THACO Cup 2024 was very challenging, and the team persevered and showed patience to achieve victory."

Promoting the beauty of intellectual football.

Dr. Phan Ngoc Son, Chairman of the University Council of Dong Nai University of Technology, directed and clearly expressed the University's (Dong Nai University of Technology) stance towards the coaching staff and athletes during training and competition: "Be intellectuals playing football." Dr. Son requested: "When participating in the finals, the team must play fair-play. Intellectuals playing football must maintain the mindset of intellectuals, not winning at all costs while disregarding student culture. Players must play their best, confidently, and abide by the referee's decisions; respect, avoid foul play, and refrain from uncivilized behavior towards the opposing team and spectators, embracing the tournament's slogan: 'Play beautifully, Win beautifully, Cheer beautifully'."

Teachers and students of Dong Nai University of Technology aim for a beautiful culture of intellectual football.

After securing a spot in the finals, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Minh transitioned to the role of Technical Director, handing over the head coach position to Le Huu Phat, a native of Dong Nai who had previously played professionally for Dong Nai and Dong Thap clubs. From February 19th, the team resumed training (they had previously trained until close to Tet and assembled a week early) to prepare as best as possible for the finals. The Dong Nai University of Technology team proactively trained on an 11-a-side artificial turf pitch to adapt to the playing conditions at Ton Duc Thang University's football field.

In addition, coach Le Huu Phat and his team also had a series of friendly matches to test and assemble the team with local teams and Van Lang University (lost 1-2), Nong Lam University (drawn 0-0)... or won against Bien Hoa City champion team 2-1 with 2 goals by Ngo Phuc Nam (9), Hoang Thanh Hoai (11)...

Having been present at the Southeast regional qualifiers to support the team, Coach Le Huu Phat shared: "Unlike many other teams that have experience participating in the finals in their first season, this is the first time our students are participating in such a large and high-quality tournament. They are very nervous but also extremely excited to be coming to Ho Chi Minh City, staying in the training camp and playing in the finals of the THACO TNSV Cup 2024, which last year they could only experience through the press and live links."

The Dong Nai University of Technology team at the 2023 Asian University Student Games.

Having followed the qualifying rounds, we see that the tournament brings together many very strong teams such as Da Nang University of Sports and Physical Education, Hue University of Economics, and Thuy Loi University, alongside some dark horses like Nha Trang College of Technology and Tra Vinh University… Our team will try to leverage our collective strength, unity, and determination with the goal of learning, and if possible, we will advance through the group stage and participate in the quarterfinals."

The Dong Nai University of Technology football team is scheduled to depart at 8:00 AM and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 9:00 AM on March 15th. Coach Le Huu Phat and his team will receive full support from the Organizing Committee and sponsor, Saigontourist Group, covering all accommodation and meals at the 4-star Thien Hong - Bat Dat Hotel. Transportation for training and matches throughout the tournament will also be covered by the sponsor Phuong Trang. It is also known that Dong Nai University of Technology is planning to organize bus trips for its students to Ton Duc Thang University to support their team in their first participation in the THACO Cup 2024 student football tournament.

Granting 100% full scholarships, elevating the semi-professional club model.

The Dong Nai University of Technology football team is preparing to participate in the THACO Cup 2024 Finals for the first time, but the vision of the teachers and students is already focused on an ambitious grand strategy that is being vigorously implemented. Dr. Tang Tri Hung, Head of the Faculty of Basic Sciences and also the CEO of the Dong Nai University of Technology Football Club, said: "In the long term, the university will organize the football team according to a semi-professional orientation. The development strategy of the Dong Nai University of Technology Football Club includes many 'sub-strategies', among which the strategy of building the team and finance is the most important."

Dr. Tang Tri Hung (wearing glasses, second from the right) encourages the Dong Nai University of Technology football team as they depart for the THACO Cup 2024 student football tournament.

In the development strategy of Dong Nai University of Technology Football Club, besides selecting coaches and athletes according to established criteria, diversifying income sources from sponsorships, tickets, and advertising plays a crucial role in the club's sustainable development. This not only helps the team strengthen its finances but also builds close relationships with partners and the fan community.

To secure operating funds, the club actively seeks sponsors and utilizes resources from the Sports Training Center & Club, as well as the school's budget. In particular, the school has a policy of providing full scholarships (100%) to students with football talent, determination, and passion for the sport, allowing them to focus on their studies and training.

According to Dr. Tang Tri Hung, Dong Nai University of Technology will soon implement several key activities, including emphasizing participation in the annual THACO Cup football tournament organized by Thanh Nien Newspaper ; and participating in the Asian University Football Tournament organized by the Asian University Football Federation (AUFF) to enhance brand awareness and create opportunities for promoting Dong Nai University of Technology.

Saigontourist Group is sponsoring hotel accommodation and meals for the participating teams in the finals at the Thien Hong - Bat Dat hotel system and Dong Khanh hotel.

Some achievements of the Dong Nai University of Technology football team:

* Twice champion of the Dong Nai Provincial Student Sports Festival in football, 2015 and 2023.

* Finished second twice in the Dong Nai Provincial Futsal Club Championship in 2017 and 2023.

* Participated in the Asian University Student Fairplay Competition and won the Fair-play award in Taiwan in 2019.

* 3rd place in the 2019 Bien Hoa City 11-a-side football tournament.

With the desire to contribute to the development of Vietnamese football, Dr. Phan Ngoc Son (Chairman of the University Council of Dong Nai University of Technology; Vice President of the Asian University Sports Federation – AUFF) established the Dong Nai University of Technology Football Club (DNTU FC).

Development orientation of the Dong Nai University of Technology Football Club:

A - Mission

• To build DNTU FC with its own values, image, and culture for Dong Nai University of Technology (DNTU) and create a media effect for all DNTU activities;

• Capable of stable competition and long-term influence, not only at the local level but also at the national and international levels;

DNTU FC's player training program is comprehensive, encompassing four areas: culture, discipline, physical fitness & technique, and footballing mindset.

B - Vision

To become one of the leading football clubs in the university/college community, creating a positive impact and pride for the student community, and serving as a symbol of teamwork, loyalty, and relentless striving.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/truong-dhcn-dong-nai-tham-vong-mo-hinh-clb-ban-chuyen-185240312114820302.htm