Newly appointed Phnom Penh Crown head coach Oriol Mohedano began his stint in a competitive setting with the six-time league champions holding off NagaWorld 1-1 in a pre-season friendly at the RSN Stadium yesterday.

Crown announced the hiring of 29-year old Spaniard Mohedano on a one-year contract as a replacement for Sam Schweingruber, who is recovering from a motorcycle accident he met with in Phnom Penh a few weeks ago “With Sam Schweingruber unable to undertake his duties for the immediate future, Oriol Mohedano will be in charge of the team as they prepare for the start of the new Metfone C Legue season and Hun Sen Cup campaigns”, Crown’s Facebook post indicated.

Certified as a UEFA A-licence coach, Mohedano, whose playing career was cut short due to a leg injury at 23, assumes his first coaching position in Asia after having served in Spain, Switzerland and Finland.

Meanwhile, the Club has also announced the signing of a new goalkeeper – 20-year old Spaniard Abel Yebenes for the ensuing season. Yebenes had represented two Catalan First Division clubs in the last two seasons.

While last season’s eye catcher Shane Booysen of South Africa has renewed his association with the club for two more years, his strike partner George Bisan is moving out to seek opportunities elsewhere in the region.

Crown has also announced the departure from the team of five-year veteran defender Odion Obaidin.