ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) has officially appointed Kim Sang-sik, head coach of Vietnam’s national football team and reigning ASEAN champion, as the head coach of the ASEAN All-Stars Team for the highly anticipated Maybank Challenge Cup clash against Manchester United on 28 May 2025 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Malaysia.
This match marks Manchester United’s first appearance in Malaysia in 16 years, and it is set to be more than just a sporting spectacle — it is poised to be a landmark moment in the history of Southeast Asian football.
Coach Kim Sang-sik is no stranger to success. After leading Vietnam to an undefeated championship run in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, his appointment to lead the ASEAN All-Stars is a powerful recognition of his discipline, vision, and pan-regional respect.
“It’s an honor to lead the best players from across ASEAN in a match of this magnitude,” said Kim Sang-sik.
“We are not just representing our nations — we are showing the world the pride, spirit, and strength of our region.”
The ASEAN All-Stars Team will feature elite talent drawn from all 12 AFF Member Associations, showcasing the diversity, talent, and rising standards of football across Southeast Asia.
The Maybank Challenge Cup also carries a deeper mission. The match will serve as a fundraising initiative in support of the Al-Sultan Abdullah Foundation (YASA), a well-respected Malaysian charitable organisation. Through this event, AFF reinforces its commitment to using football as a force for good, benefiting communities far beyond the stadium.
AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth hailed the appointment and the spirit of the match:
“Coach Kim is a symbol of progress and professionalism. His leadership will inspire not just our players, but an entire generation of footballers and fans. This match is a moment of pride for our region, and a reminder that football can truly uplift lives.”
Credit Photo : Baohaidoung.vn
