The Vientiane Physical Sports Association announced Mr Samphao Laosy as the new President of the Vientiane Football Federation, along with several new senior federation officials in the capital on Thursday.

Mr Samphao said he is honoured to take up the post and ready to continue to develop football in Vientiane.

A ceremony for the announcement was attended by Vientiane Vice Mayor and Vientiane Sports Association President Mr Somvandy Nathavong and senior officials from the Vientiane Sports Department and Lao Football Federation.

Mr Samphao said he will try hard to push Vientiane FC, playing in the Lao League, to reach new heights in the near future.

He said the Vientiane football team will play friendly matches against teams from neighbouring countries in order to boost their tactical know-how.

The Vientiane Football Federation also plans to hold tournaments for youngsters of the capital's nine districts as a way of identifying the next generation of talented players, the president said.

Vientiane FC has had an indifferent first half of the season in the Lao League, with three wins and two losses from five matches. The federation wants to turn the club into a league powerhouse, consistently challenging for the title.

Mr Somvandy said that despite its present woes Vientiane FC has a past littered with league titles and championships at the national level.

Vientiane FC took out the football event at the seventh National Games in Savannakhet province in 2005, also winning back-to-back league titles in 2006 and 2007, as well as the third Prime Minister's Cup.

Mr Somvandy said football is a popular sport and the federation requests that young footballers' parents assist their children in reaching their full potential.

He said the federation is able to support and assist in finding work for committed Vientiane footballers.

Vientiane FC only came third in the fourth Prime Minister's Cup in 2008, and was also unsuccessful in securing a medal at the eighth National Games in Champassak province two years ago.

The federation has high hopes that Vientiane FC will succeed at the ninth National Games to be held in Luang Prabang province in December.

The federation continues to search for sponsors to support Vientiane FC, as well as football teams in each district.