Japanese-Cambodian footballer Yudai Ogawa has expressed his determination to help create a new chapter in the history of Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC, after leaving Phnom Penh Crown FC, his home club for many years.
His Crown teammate Seut Baraing has also made the move to the reigning Cambodian Premier League champions.
Svay Rieng officially welcomed the two players on Tuesday, June 24.
Cambodian football fans welcomed Ogawa’s decision, as they were eager to see the Japanese-born naturalised player continue to play in the Kingdom. The two signings follow the departure of two other naturalized Cambodian representatives – Nieto Rondon and Takaki Ose — from the Kingdom. The pair were also formerly with Crown.
In a June 25 press conference with Svay Rieng, Ogawa described the club as one of the top professional football clubs in the Kingdom.
He praised the team’s organisation, including nutrition, training facilities and player support, and also shared his enthusiasm for the chance to represent Svay Rieng in international competitions, particularly the upcoming AFC Challenge League group stages. Last season, the club made history by reaching the final of the tournament for the first time.
Speaking about the AFC league final, which Svay Rieng narrowly lost 2–1 to FK Arkadag of Turkmenistan, Yudai said: “I already have experience, but Svay Rieng reaching the final was very close. I watched that match — they played very well. That’s one of the reasons I decided to join the club.”
Reflecting on the previous 2024–2025 season, Yudai said he appreciated how Cambodian clubs performed well in international competitions.
“Cambodian teams played very well in the AFC competition, and that made me proud. My next goal is to win a trophy, so I’m very much looking forward to competing in the upcoming matches,” he said.
“I’m ready. I’m excited to play with my new teammates, with the support of the fans and within this exciting playing environment. I absolutely want to make history with the club and the fans this coming season and in future competitions. So yes, I’m very excited,” he added.
Baraing also expressed his enthusiasm for joining a new environment with higher footballing standards.
“The reason I joined Svay Rieng is because I want to explore new experiences, new challenges and see what the environment outside of Crown is like. Most importantly, I want to gain experience and achieve new success,” he said.
He admitted that it was not an easy decision to leave Crown, where he had been since his youth career began in 2011. He made the senior team in 2016 and remained with the club until hi move to Svay Rieng.
“Deciding to leave was difficult because I’ve been there since I was young. But this is football — if we want something new, we have to be brave and move forward. I’m fully committed to doing my best and achieving results for this club in the future,” he added.
