Indonesian media cautious as Vietnam retains coach Kim Sang Sik until 2027

Indonesian media show prudence as Vietnam triggers the contract extension, securing coach Kim Sang Sik until 2027.

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) decided to activate the contract extension clause with coach Kim Sang Sik following the remarkable achievements brought by the South Korean coach. In just a year and a half of leadership, he has helped Vietnamese football achieve a rare “hat-trick” of titles in Southeast Asia, which has earned regional respect for Vietnam’s strength.

Indonesian media, notably SuperBall.Bolasport, commented that Vietnam does not want to repeat Indonesia’s mistake of changing coaches while the team was stable. What makes them particularly wary is Kim Sang Sik’s commitment until February 2027, meaning Vietnam has a more stable long-term foundation.

According to Indonesian reports, the contract extension clause for coach Kim Sang Sik was automatically activated once he met the targets set by the VFF. Although it is only a one-year extension, this guarantees Vietnam a clear development plan instead of the coaching instability seen in some regional teams.

Not only retaining him until 2027, Vietnamese football has also set a series of important goals for Kim Sang Sik, from the 2026 U23 Asian Championship, the 2026 AFF Cup to the 2027 Asian Cup. Indonesian media acknowledge that maintaining this stability gives Vietnam a formidable competitive position in the regional arena.

SuperBall.Bolasport also assessed that if he continues to perform at the current level, Kim Sang Sik could be kept under a long-term contract aiming for the further goal of the 2030 World Cup qualifiers. Vietnam’s approach is seen as “a step ahead,” avoiding haste and preserving the existing foundation.

In the context of fierce competition in Southeast Asian football, Vietnam’s move to secure Kim Sang Sik until 2027 has caused Indonesian media both concern and recognition that this is a strategic and calculated decision.