The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces FC (Army) are intensely focused, as they prepare to host Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng at the Old Stadium this coming Sunday.
Army has shared plans to “seal off the goal area”, doing whatever they can to block the table-topping guests, with the hope of securing a good result — or at the very least, coming away with a draw.
Although they have not lost any of their previous six matches — winning two and drawing four — they are fully aware that the match against Svay Rieng will be a tough one. They must prepare as best as possible to shut down the reigning champion’s attack.
The Army team has shared short videos of their training sessions, showcasing their focus on all areas, but especially defence. Notably, they have been putting heavy emphasis on training their goalkeepers to make every possible save.
“This Sunday, we know it will be hard work, but we must push as much as we can — 100 per cent — to get points. Even if we only get one point, we’ll take it, but we won’t let points slip away to them,” said first-choice goalkeeper Um Sereyroth.
The former national goalie expressed his dedication.
“I will do my best. This week we have trained hard as we are facing a strong team. We have to be ready. Whatever their strengths are and however they play, we must prepare and train in that way to stop them,” he explained.
Svay Rieng will be without head coach Matthew McConkey this week, as the Northern Irishman has returned home for the birth of his first child.
Assistant coach Stefano Greco will take charge as the club try to claim three points and maintain their lead over second-placed Phnom Penh Crown, who sit just one point behind them.
Svay Rieng shared the welcome news of McConkey’s absence, in an October 15 announcement.
“Congratulations to Matthew McConkey and his family on the joyful news of welcoming a new member — their first child. Matthew is currently in Northern Ireland and will be absent for Sunday’s match against the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces team. Therefore, assistant coach Stefano Greco will lead the squad in his place,” it said.
The club added that McConkey will return to Cambodia soon to resume preparing the squad for the upcoming AFC Challenge League. They will host Group D, facing Manila Digger (Philippines), SP Falcons (Mongolia) and Ezra (Laos) from October 26 to November 1.
It may be for the best that the head coach is absent, as he has previously delivered outspoken criticism of the pitch quality at the Old Stadium. He cited it as one reason why the Army team beat Visakha 2–1 and drew 1–1 with Phnom Penh Crown there.
“If you look at the Old Stadium, right in front of the goal there is a patch of dirt, about two feet lower than the grass. I think Phnom Penh Crown and Visakha dropped points there. I’m not underestimating Army — they genuinely performed well — but the pitch is a factor, and that pitch should not be allowed for matches. I think the league needs to review what standards are acceptable for play,” he said.
The Post hopes the expectant father and league-topping coach is finally wrong, and the pitch will not affect what should be an excellent match.
