Azmin Azram Abdul Aziz often wonders why the Malaysian football team finds it tough going up against Vietnam in major competitions.
The former national goalkeeper found the answer during his coaching stint in Hanoi.
Thumping his fist to his chest, Azmin Azram, on the podcast Julang, which aired on Feb 26, said: “Vietnam’s national spirit is extremely high”.
Azmin, who coached V1 League team Cong An Hanoi FC that went on to win the league title in 2023, said the Vietnamese were generally hardworking.
“There were times when I asked myself, ‘Don’t they stop working? When do they have their lunch?’”
He added that talented children there join football academies as early as 10. They leave their families and stay in those academies, including the famous PVF Academy, which has been recognised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
“I managed to ask one of the parents, ‘What made you leave your kid here (PVF Academy)?’ The answer by the parent was: ‘My son likes football. So I told him, if you really like it, prove it.'”
“Children based at the academy study at Vinschool (an international school in Hanoi) that is located nearby. There are English classes at night. Food is provided, and it’s quality food. They start eating right, early.”
Azmin Azram, who turns 49 on April 1, also highlighted the fighting spirit among the young players.
“Their children really give their best. That explains why we often find it difficult to beat them.”
Azmin Azram, who was born in Kamunting but grew up in Sentul, added that the PVF Academy was a state-of-the-art facility, complete with multiple playing fields that were well taken care of, and a gymnasium the size of a football field.
Azmin Azram started his career in football, playing for Kuala Lumpur FA in 1993. He went on to play for Malaysia between 1994 and 2005. Among his career highlights was playing against Arsenal, Manchester United, and Brazil.
He is best remembered for his exploits in the match against Brazil at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, which featured the likes of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cafu, and Roberto Carlos. Azmin Azram was tested repeatedly and even denied a free kick by Ronaldinho. The South American team eventually won the match 4-0.
Julang is a podcast that features senior sports journalist, Rizal Hashim and Twentytwo13 editor, Haresh Deol. Click here to watch Azmin Azram’s interview on Julang.
