LAOS TO EXPAND WOMEN FOOTBALL INTO FOUR PROVINCES

Following their first ever participation in an international meet when they took part in the AFF Women’s Championship in Myanmar recently, the Laos Football Federation felt that more could be done to give the game more impetus.

As such apart from organising programmes in the capital city of Vientiane, the LFF have also identified the four provinces of Savenhaknet, Chompasack, Xayabouly, Luang Prabang as possible ventures.

“The positive showing at the AFF Women’s Championship showed that Laos have potential in the women’s game,” said Laos head coach Xuensavanh Sivisay.

“So I believe that it is time we take the game to the next level with the expansion into these provinces.

“We do not expect success over night but at least, we know that in the women’s game, a small country like Laos stand a better chance when compared to the men’s game.”

At the AFF meet, Laos did not open their campaign in the best of fashion when they stumbled to a 13-1 loss to Thailand before recovering to a 0-7 defeat to eventual champions Myanmar.

They then scored their first ever win in an international women football match when they beat Singapore 3-1 in their final group game to pick up their first ever three points.

Sivisay said that part of the reason why the LFF are serious about women football is also due to their hosting of the SEA Games in 2009.

“The 2009 SEA Games is the main catalyst and following from the performance of the women’s team in Myanmar, there’s confidence that they can be a lot better in future tournaments,” added Sivisay.

PIC: Laos head coach Xuensavanh Sivisay