Coach Akira Ijiri, who has been a prominent figure in the development of Vietnam’s women’s youth football teams for the past six years, officially confirmed that he will be stepping down from his role and returning to Japan. His announcement came via a heartfelt message on his personal Facebook page, where he reflected on his time in Vietnam and expressed gratitude for the experiences and support he received during his tenure.
In his post, the 54-year-old coach shared, “I will return to Japan on December 26. Six years have passed in the blink of an eye. I have lived like a Vietnamese, eating local food with the players, riding my motorbike everywhere without needing a map. I arrived and fell in love with everything about Vietnamese culture. I made many Vietnamese friends, and their support and help helped me overcome challenges.”
Ijiri’s message conveyed his deep connection to the country and the people, noting that despite the sadness of leaving, he is grateful for the opportunity to have worked in Vietnam and for the support of everyone he met during his time there. “It’s sad to leave Vietnam, but life is about overcoming challenges. I am very grateful for the help of everyone during my time in Vietnam,” he wrote.
Akira Ijiri came to Vietnam in 2018 as part of a collaboration between the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and the Japan Football Association. Over the years, he has become a key figure in developing Vietnam’s women’s football, particularly the youth teams. Under his guidance, the U19 women’s national team achieved significant progress, with Ijiri focusing on nurturing young talent and implementing the technical and tactical strategies needed to compete at higher levels.
One of Ijiri’s most notable accomplishments was his leadership of the U19 women’s team during the 2019 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship. In the tournament, Vietnam’s U19 team faced Australia’s U19 team in a thrilling match, where they fought tooth and nail before narrowly losing 1-0 in the dying minutes of the game. This match showcased Ijiri’s ability to elevate the team’s performance, and it was a proud moment for Vietnam’s footballing future.
Throughout his tenure, Ijiri helped cultivate the skills of players like Tran Thi Duyen, Thanh Nha, and Vu Thi Hoa, who have become key members of Vietnam’s women’s national team. His commitment to developing the youth players and fostering a strong team spirit has left a lasting impact on Vietnam’s women’s football scene.
As Ijiri moves on to the next chapter of his career, the football community in Vietnam will undoubtedly remember his contributions to the growth of women’s football and his role in shaping the future of many talented players. The country’s footballing community, especially those involved in women’s football, will feel the void left by Ijiri’s departure but will continue to carry forward the legacy of his work.
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