Offside

by Ken Gadaffi

Lack of quality coaches affects league

Despite a visible improvement in the standard of the Cambodian Premier League, a lack of quality coaches involved with its clubs has been identified as a major problem in the development of the league. Former national team coach and current technical adviser to Preah Khan Reach Prak Sovannara claimed Sunday that the league is not improving as fast as it should be due to the lack of technical and tactical know-how of most of the coaches. Cambodia's only AFC ‘A' license-holding coach Prak Sovannara opined that local coaches need to develop themselves and learn modern techniques to help move the game forward in the country. Coach Prak Sovannara, who is warming up to the idea of furthering his career in either Germany or Holland with offers already coming his way, bemoaned how he was dropped from the national team after taking Cambodia to the Suzuki Cup finals in Indonesia last November. "The problem with the national team is the frequent changes of coaches," he stated. "These frequent changes affect players' morale and consistency, as the new coach will always come with new tactics and invite new players." Despite his dismissal, Prak Sovannara is still hoping to be part of the national team again in the future. "I am readily available if called again," he said. "I see it as an honor to represent my country and will be delighted to take up the challenge."

 

FFC to organize coaching courses

The FFC is planning to organise an Asia Football Confederation (AFC) ‘C' License course in July. According to the Deputy Secretary and Technical Director of the FFC May Tola, the course will help improve the knowledge of the coaches in Cambodia. About 35 coaches are expected to participate in the forth-coming course. Asia Football Confederation has requested all affiliated national federations to ensure their coaches have licenses in compliance with FIFA regulations.

   

Ly Him leaves, Zidougha eyes contract

Kirivong Sok Sen Chey goalkeeper Ly Him has returned to his former club Phnom Penh Crown. According to Ly Him, Kirivong failed to meet a contractual agreement, so he he has decided to rejoin the current league and Cup champions. Meanwhile, former Khemara Keila defender Paris Zidougha is currently on trial with Kirivong. The Nigerian hopes to ink a contract with the club in the mid-season transfer window around the end of July as he arrived at the Takeo-based club after the registration period had expired.

 

Players demand fair treatment, bonuses

Many CPL players are seeking better incentives and fairer treatment. Some foreign players are complaining of unfair practices by club management, which sees some players given motorbikes while others on the same team are not. Cambodian players also show discontent with their low wages and demand an increase. The players believe that more cash incentives will help encourage  better commitment and effort level. In foreign leagues, professional players are entitled to winning bonuses as well as draw bonuses, but most CPL clubs do not share this practice. It is hoped that clubs will try to improve players' welfare packages as the league develops further.