Japanese coach sets semifinal target for Vietnam national team

Coach Okiyama Masahiko mentioned that the immediate goal for the Vietnam U16 women's squad is to advance to the semifinals of the 2025 Southeast Asian U16 Women's Championship.

On the afternoon of August 20, Vietnam U16 women's head coach Okiyama Masahiko attended the pre-tournament press conference for the 2025 Southeast Asian U16 Women's Championship, which will take place in Surakarta from August 20 to August 29.

"Regarding our objectives in this tournament, our first priority is to get through the group stage and secure a spot in the semifinals, giving our all in every match with the ambition to win the championship. Through this tournament, I also hope to encourage players to gain international exposure, accumulate experience in overseas competitions and tours, and foster a sense of pride and responsibility as members of the national team.

By gaining real match experience, I want to enhance the individual capabilities of our players and strengthen the team as a whole to prepare for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup qualifiers coming up in October,” Coach Okiyama Masahiko shared.

When asked about the teams’ preparations for the tournament, Coach Okiyama Masahiko responded: “We have been following the coaching staff’s plan closely. At present, the whole team is ready for the tournament with a high level of determination.”

At the press conference, Coach Okiyama Masahiko also spoke about the living conditions of the Vietnam U16 women’s team in Indonesia. Having arrived less than 24 hours ago, he noted that the weather in Surakarta is cooler than in Hanoi. As soon as they checked into the hotel, the team received a very warm welcome.

“The food yesterday and today has been excellent. Our players have been able to eat well and rest comfortably. Right now, the whole team is in good health and ready for the tournament.”, Coach Okiyama Masahiko noted.

Also this morning (August 20), representatives of the Vietnam U16 women's team coaching staff attended the technical meeting before the tournament. According to the schedule, later today, the organizing committee arranged for the team to visit the official Sriwedari stadium before their first training session in Surakarta to get used to the local weather.