Khatoco Khanh Hoa: Optimistic signs ahead of new season

In the 2026 - 2027 National First Division season, Khatoco Khanh Hoa football team welcomes the return of many quality and familiar faces. With a long preparation period and a well-balanced roster, Khatoco Khanh Hoa are expected to have a successful season.

After securing First Division survival in the 2025–26 season, Khatoco Khanh Hoa underwent major squad restructuring. The departure of Coach Tran Trong Binh alongside several out-of-contract players raised concerns among their supporters.

Khatoco Khanh Hoa play a friendly match with Lam Dong. (Photo: Khatoco Khanh Hoa FC)

However, those concerns were resolved in early July when club management confirmed the return of Coach Vo Dinh Tan. Vo Dinh Tan is a familiar face in Khanh Hoa’s football, having represented the province both as a player and later as a manager in professional competitions. During his 10-year tenure from 2013 to 2023, the coach born in 1967 and his players overcame numerous challenges, achieving successes and establishing a distinct playing style. Most notably, he led Khanh Hoa football through two promotions from the Second Division to top-tier V.League 1 in the 2013–14 season and a third-place finish in the 2018 national championship.

Alongside the return of Coach Vo Dinh Tan, Khatoco Khanh Hoa have welcomed back many familiar players. Key players returning to 19-8 Nha Trang Stadium include Trum Tinh, Huu Khoi, Cong Thanh, goalkeeper Ngoc Cuong, and overseas Vietnamese player Quoc Minh. These players had proved their quality in former professional league wearing Khanh Hoa jerseys. The coaching staff has also confirmed it is completing contract procedures with a quality foreign player. This season, Khatoco Khanh Hoa will rely on many young talents promoted from the province's U21 teams.

"Compared to previous seasons, we have had a longer pre-season period, allowing the team to prepare under much better conditions," Coach Vo Dinh Tan said. "We have basically finalized our roster for the 2026–27 season. We will try our best to play for the pride of the province."

Last week, Khatoco Khanh Hoa played two pre-season friendlies against Lam Dong. On August 26 and 27, the team played two friendly matches with Quy Nhon. These friendly clashes are necessary to help Khatoco Khanh Hoa players get ready for the rhythm of the new season. The matches also allow the coaching staff to evaluate individual performances,  tactical positioning, and squad limitations to make timely adjustments before the new season officially begins.

According to the schedule of the 2026 - 2027 National First Division Football Tournament, Round 1 takes place on September 13, where Khatoco Khanh Hoa will play an away match at Viet Tri Stadium against host team Xuan Thien Phu Tho. On September 19, fans will have the opportunity to watch Khatoco Khanh Hoa play at 19-8 Nha Trang home stadium when hosting Van Hien University team within the framework of the qualification round of the 2026 - 2027 National Cup.

According to the 2026–2027 National First Division schedule, round 1 kicks off on September 13, when Khatoco Khanh Hoa travel to Viet Tri Stadium to face Xuan Thien Phu Tho. On September 19, Khatoco Khanh Hoa host Van Hien University at 19-8 Nha Trang Stadium in the qualifying round of the 2026–2027 National Cup.

PHUC HIEU
Translated by H.N