Coach Thach Bao Khanh becomes the new head coach of PVF CAND

Hanoi – PVF CAND has officially named Thach Bao Khanh as their new head coach, replacing Mauro Jeronimo, in a bid to bolster their push for promotion in the Vietnam National First Division.

The club’s announcement expressed optimism: “PVF CAND believes that under Coach Thach Bao Khanh’s leadership, the team will maintain its fighting spirit, deliver impressive performances for fans, and strive to achieve our goals.” The move comes as the team sits third in the standings after 11 rounds, with 21 points, trailing leaders Ninh Binh by 12.

Khanh, a former Vietnam international, brings a proven track record. He famously guided CAND—later renamed Hanoi Police FC—to promotion in 2022 by winning the First Division title. However, his subsequent tenure at The Cong Viettel yielded mixed results, leading to his departure. Now, PVF CAND hopes his promotion “magic” can steer them past rivals Binh Phuoc and Ninh Binh in the race for a V-League spot.

Mauro Jeronimo, Khanh’s predecessor, parted ways with PVF CAND after leading the team since 2022. Under the Portuguese coach, the club secured back-to-back runner-up finishes in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, reaching the promotion playoffs both times but falling short of the top flight. Recent stumbles—including a 2-2 draw against Binh Phuoc after leading by two goals and a 2-0 home loss to Tre TP.HCM—prompted the change, signaling the club’s urgency to turn their season around.

At 45, Khanh inherits a squad still in contention but needing a spark. With Ninh Binh (33 points) and Binh Phuoc (likely close behind) setting the pace, PVF CAND’s third-place position demands consistency and sharper execution. Khanh’s first test will be rallying a team that has shown potential but struggled to close out key matches. “He knows how to win promotion,” a club insider said. “That’s why he’s here.”

Fans are cautiously hopeful, recalling Khanh’s success with CAND. His unveiling, expected soon, marks a fresh chapter for PVF CAND as they chase a V-League berth with just over half the season remaining.