Cambodian Premier League champions of 2008, Phnom Penh Crown, have voiced their intent on reclaiming the title this year, while promising that they will look to host the AFC President’s Cup next year if successful, according to manager Be Makara.
Winning the domestic league grants entry into the following season’s club competition, which will see 12 teams from across the region compete for glory in 2011.
This year’s tournament was held in Yangon, with 2009 champions Naga Corp failing to advance from the group stage.
Phnom Penh Crown currently sitting second in the league table on 32 points, and have all but qualified for the end of season Super 4 playoffs with four games to spare.
“Our goal is to bring the AFC President’s Cup to Cambodia, and so we want to win the league so we can bid for the hosting rights,” stated Be Makara.
“We have already secured sponsors to support our bid, all we are waiting for now is to win the league.”
With Naga and Crown already certain of booking their place in the playoff stage, the battle for the other two berths in the Super 4 is now between Build Bright United, Preah Khan Reach and Kirivong Sok Sen Chey.
Be Makara said his team remain confident, regardless of whom they face in the Super 4, which kicks off August 14 at Olympic Stadium. “We don’t care who we play in the playoffs. We want to go top, and we are ready to play whichever team comes fourth at the end of the [regular season],” he said.
Crown were the runaway leaders of the league in 2009, only to lose out in the playoff semifinals to fourth finishers Naga, who went on to win the championship. Crown ended up in fourth after losing their third-place playoff.
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