CAND FC kicks off: The promotion puzzle and pressure from the Ministry of Public Security's 'push'

This afternoon, at the central stadium, CAND FC officially kicked off their 2026-2027 First Division season campaign. More than just a ceremony, the event laid bare the biggest ambition of the police force's football club: securing promotion to the V-League in the very first season under coach Nguyễn Đức Thắng. But behind the promises lies a tactical, financial, and institutional puzzle that not everyone can see. The arrival of coach Nguyễn Đức Thắng – who led Viettel to the 2026 V-League title with the league's best defense – immediately shapes CAND's playing style. No one expects this team to play expansive, possession-dominant football. Instead, Thắng's philosophy is solidity, discipline, and efficiency in every move. With a squad of seasoned veterans like goalkeeper Nguyễn Đình Triệu, midfielder Minh Vương, or Czech-Vietnamese striker Lê Viktor, CAND possesses one of the most valuable squads in the First Division. This is an advantage no other team in the league can match. However, football is not just about stacking stars. The biggest question lies in Đức Thắng's tactical execution against defensive, low-block opponents. His experience at Bình Định shows he is willing to apply high pressing against weaker teams. But in the First Division, where many teams park the bus to protect results, CAND will face dense defensive walls. Will their slow, controlled possession style, waiting for opponent errors, be sharp enough to break through? Or will they need more direct attacking options? Financially, CAND operates on a 'state-backed competitive advantage' model. The direct backing from the Ministry of Public Security, as affirmed by Minister Lương Tam Quang, creates financial muscle far superior to the rest of the league. This allows them to recruit players who should be playing in the V-League. But it also raises questions about sustainability. Does the dependence on state budget create too much political pressure, turning every failure into a security issue rather than just a football defeat? The biggest blind spot of this campaign lies in the relationship between CAND and Hưng Yên FC – the new club formed from the transfer of PVF-CAND. Both clubs share the same origin from the Ministry of Public Security and compete in the same First Division. This creates an unprecedented situation: two related clubs in the same league. Will the VFF accept this model, or will it demand clear governance separation to avoid conflicts of interest? This is an institutional issue no other club in Vietnam has to face. The opening match against Long An at home on September 11 will be the first test. A victory will create positive momentum, confirming their status as the number one contender. Conversely, any result other than a win will immediately raise doubts about the team's true strength. For a team so well-invested, there is no reason not to win. But football does not operate on financial logic. It operates on the logic of the pitch, where the discipline and fighting spirit of opponents can level any gap in class. CAND is entering a season with immense pressure. They are not just expected to be promoted; they must be promoted convincingly. With superior resources, they are the 'giant' of the First Division. But that very expectation is a double-edged sword. If successful, they will be proof of an effective state investment model. If they fail, they will become a lesson in wasted resources. This season, more than ever, CAND is not just playing for a title, but for the pride of an entire system.