Ieng Saknida is stepping down as assistant coach of the national team to pursue further coaching opportunities. “It is a hard decision, but I have chosen for my future in coaching. It’s also the time to let other young talents help national team,” he told the Post on Wednesday.  The former Cambodia midfielder, who also goes by the name Nhanh, has held his position in the national team set up since the arrival of South Korean coach Lee Tae Hoon 12 months ago. Lee and the Football Federation of Cambodia have yet to give their approval for the resignation. Ieng Saknida is to become  the second Cambodian after Keo Kosal to be selected for the Project Future Coaching, initiated by the Asian Football Confederation. The long-term program that develops coaching and refereeing has been designed specifically to provide young, potential elite coaches with the opportunity to fulfill their potential. While the U21 national team prepare to compete in the upcoming 2011 BIDC Cup, Ieng Saknida will fly to Europe to participate in a coaching course from October 6 to10. During the SEA Games in Indonesia in November, he will be trying for a B-Licence coaching qualification in Malaysia.