With the seventh Hun Sen Cup wrapping up last weekend as Naga Corp finally emerged victorious, the cream of Cambodia’s club teams are looking forward to the resumption of the 2013 Metfone C-League season this weekend.

The standout fixture of the round will be Sunday’s battle of casino-backed sides Naga Corp and Phnom Penh Crown at 2pm at Olympic Stadium.

Both domestic heavyweights have announced their ambitions for a top four place at the end of the season, in order to qualify for the post-season playoffs.

Crown on Wednesday announced their decision not to renew the contract of French-Cambodian midfielder Dani Kouch, who featured for the national team in a friendly match against South Korean side Ulsan University last month.

“Dani’s footballing future does not lie with PPCFC,” said Crown coach Sam Schweingruber.

“I’d like to thank him and wish him good luck in the future.”  

In showing the 22-year-old the door, Crown is losing a versatile player who was able to play as a defensive midfielder, distributing the ball, or as a wing back, pushing down the flanks.

According to Crown’s media officer, Andy Brouwer, Dani has stated his intent to join local Futsal team Daniel FC, while also being likely to join Kirivong Sok Sen Chey for the remainder of the MCL season.

Takeo-based Kirivong will take on reigning champions Boeung Ket Rubber Field at 3pm at Old Stadium tomorrow, with the Kampong Cham side looking to extend their record as the only unbeaten team in the campaign.

Meanwhile, at Olympic Stadium, Asia Europe University face Build Bright United at 2pm before Preah Khan Reach are up against National Police Commissary starting at 4pm.

On Sunday, the top clash of Crown v Naga at Olympic Stadium will be followed by a 4pm kick-off between Senate Secretariat and Ministry of National Defence.

To contact the reporter on this story: Chris Derbuc at [email protected]