The national men's football team will return from Vietnam in June to continue their training in Vientiane after bad weather disrupted their training in Vietnam .
Head Coach Xaysana Savatdy told Vientiane Times yesterday the team would resume their training in Laos because the wet season in Vietnam meant conditions there were unsuitable.
“Out training facility in Hanoi doesn't have an indoor court, so it's hard for our players to practise their skills and techniques in preparation for the SEA Games in December,” he said.
The 30 member squad left Vientiane in early March to train in Hanoi and have improved under the guidance of Vietnamese trainers.
“We initially planned to stay in Vietnam for longer, but the rain is hindering our preparations so we will return to Laos for a short time,” Mr Xaysana said.
“At the training camp here we can easily monitor the players' health, nutrition and training regime. We have found their skills and strategies have improved greatly and are looking forward to some competitive matches to test the team.”
The team hopes to play some matches on their return home to put their training into practice.
A member of the squad said the team has been training hard across a variety of areas in Hanoi .
“The Vietnamese coach has a lot of experience, having played football and studied at a football school before becoming a coach. The training facility also has top quality equipment and pitches.”
“Some members of the squad are still students and are having troubles with their studies. The Lao Football Federation wants to solve those problems soon in line with the Prime Minister's agreement on study arrangements for SEA Games athletes,” said Mr Xaysana.
He said he was confident the team would perform well at the games.
“Let's wait and see the difference in the squad when they return to Vientiane . I believe they will surprise many people in the matches leading up to the games and also during the event itself.”
In the coming months a final squad of 20 players will be selected for the games and they will return to train in Hanoi in August or September.
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
vientianetimes
