The first Sar Sokha Challenge Cup is underway, with the Kingdom’s volleyball clubs competing for bragging rights and the chance to hold the national trophy aloft.
The Volleyball Federation of Cambodia held an August 1 draw to determine the makeup of two pools, with pool play scheduled to begin on August 2 at the National Olympic Stadium. The semi-finals will take place on August 5, with the finals the following day.
Aing Serey Piseth, secretary-general of the federation, oversaw the lot-drawing ceremony attended by representatives of the nine clubs who qualified for the competition.
Pool A includes Visakha volleyball, Phnom Penh municipal administration, Tbong Khmum provincial police, Intervention Division III and the Bodyguard Unit.
Takeo provincial volleyball, Preah Sihanouk provincial police, Battambang provincial police and Kampong Chhnang provincial police clubs will contest Pool B.
Following the draw, Serey Piseth explained that the matches were sure to be tense, high quality affairs, and noted that admission to all matches would be free, so the Kingdom’s volleyball fans can enjoy seeing the upcoming superstars of the game in action.
The event will also serve as a vital opportunity for federation officials to decide on the final 14-man squad they will send to the upcoming Asian Games, set to kick off in Hangzhou, China this September.
“Competition for the Sar Sokha Challenge Cup will be stiff, as will the battle for places in the national team. Even the 14 men who claimed silver at the Cambodia SEA Games may not all make the cut.
“No matter how talented they are, if they are not prepared to give their heart and soul to the team, they will not earn a place in the squad.
“When we head to the Asian Games, they will be carrying the hopes of the nation. If they are not prepared to serve the Kingdom, we will not take them to China,” said Serey Piseth.
The volleyball federation has also spiced up the challenge cup by encouraging clubs to field foreign players who may be eligible to play for the Kingdom through familial connection, and even overseas players who may not, in order to elevate the competition.
“The 14-man squad we take to the games may feature many new names, depending on how well they play in the Challenge Cup. The heat of competition will allow us to compare their performances to those in the previous squad.
“The players are all aware of how important it is to do their best if they hope to make the team,” Serey Piseth said.
