The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces football club (RCAF FC) will open the 2025–2026 Cambodia Premier League season against Visakha at the Old Stadium at 6pm on Saturday, August 9. The other eight teams will also begin their campaigns over the same weekend.
The army team has decided that all proceeds from ticket sales for the season-opener will go to support the displaced Cambodians along the border who are facing hardship following the recent armed clashes with Thailand.
“In the current situation, we have seen admirable actions from our fellow Cambodians, who have been helping each other tirelessly — bringing food and funds to refugees in conflict-affected areas near the border,” explained head coach Phea Sopheaktra.
“What we want is to join in this effort, as a football club and as part of the Armed Forces Sports Association. For our first match of the new season on August 9, welcoming Visakha, we will donate 100 per cent of the ticket revenue to help purchase food and supplies for the refugees,” he added.
To maximise fundraising, the club has increased ticket prices from 10,000 to 20,000 riel ($5). The club hopes to draw a large crowd and strong ticket sales, since the proceeds will directly benefit the refugees.
The team has also arranged for volunteers to welcome donors from near and far who wish to contribute materials or funds in person for this humanitarian cause. They expect strong participation as a display of national spirit — Khmer helping Khmer.
“We could say that 20,000 riel is a price adjustment, but really it is the price of our goodwill in contributing to the refugees. I hope that, in the spirit of Khmer loving Khmer, Khmer helping Khmer, and with our patriotism, we will all take part in this good cause, no matter what sector we are in — especially in football,” noted Sopheaktra.
Army and Visakha already met before the CPL opens, in last month’s Visakha Pre-Season Cup. That match ended 0–0 in regular time, but Visakha won 8–7 on penalties, and then went on to beat Phnom Penh Crown 1–0 in the final to lift the trophy.
Visakha has announced that they are fully prepared for the start of the new season, setting high ambitions for winning the championship under new head coach Gerard Jones, who will focus on a high-press, aggressive play to create scoring chances.
On the same day, August 9, Boeung Ket will travel to face Life FC in Sihanoukville, with kick off at 6pm. Boeung Ket coach Conor Nestor said his squad is ready and fully understand his instructions, but warned that this season will be the most competitive he has ever faced as a coach in Cambodia.
“For me, this is the toughest season in my coaching career, because what all the teams in Cambodia are doing now is really impressive. But it excites me, because I have never run away from competition. I’m running toward it, and I want everyone in the club — from management and sponsors to players and fans — to come with me and compete together, so that we can all have the smiles of success at the end of the season,” said Nestor.
On Sunday, defending champions Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng will host Nagaworld at the Morodok Techo National Stadium at 6pm. Meanwhile, MOI Kampong Dewa FC will welcome Angkor Tiger at Prince Stadium, and ISI Dangkor Senchey will host Kirivong Sok Sen Chey at the AIA Stadium, KMH Park, also with 6 pm kick offs.
