The Cambodian national women’s football team at a training session on May 2, ahead of their departure to the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam. FFC
Cambodian national women’s football team head coach Prak Vuthy has expressed his belief in the abilities of his charges, saying he expects them to play well in their debut at the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) – which will kick off next week.
Although the team will play against stronger ones – who have already secured their places in the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup – in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, Vuthy believes that they will gain valuable experience, especially as their first step towards the 32nd SEA Games in 2023, which Cambodia will host, in a historic first.
“I am really happy that our sports hierarchies have given the women their first shot at participating at the games. This is a huge way for us to begin our journey to the Cambodian games. Based on what we have seen in the three weeks we have been training, I think the team will give a good showing.
“These matches will be an excellent way of measuring the level of our players’ abilities, as their international experience is still somewhat limited. After we gathered the team and began training, we saw the strength of their spirit and will to succeed.
“Since receiving encouragement from the Cambodian Football Federation president, their spirits have soared higher and they are really committing themselves to their training,” he said, referring to Sao Sokha, who is also Commander of the National Military Police.
The 20 players of the women’s squad – along with their coach – boarded a special Cambodia Airways flight for Hanoi on May 4. The men’s football team – as well as delegates of Kun Khmer boxing, kickboxing and canoeing/rowing – shared the same flight.
On May 2, the Cambodian national football teams, both men’s and women’s, met and paid their respects to Sokha. During the meeting, Sokha told them that both teams’ mission is to bring medals and prestige to the motherland.
“Behind you, there are millions of Cambodians who are supporting you, and will be watching your matches closely, so you have a huge responsibility to them as well as yourselves,” he said at the time.
With the extra support from the federation president, Vuthy expects that the Cambodian women will have the spirit and will to compete with hosts Vietnam and the Philippines – who are their rivals in Group A at the games – despite both teams being considered stronger.
Cambodian women’s team will take on the Philippines in their opening game on May 9, while Group B features Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Singapore.
Vuthy, a former Boeung Ket and Electric du Cambodge (EDC) coach, told reporters at Phnom Penh International Airport: “So far, we haven’t had any injuries or health problems in the squad, so ultimately, our results are going to come down to our will and determination. We hope to be hailed for our achievements.”
In addition, he hinted at the main principles the team must follow in this competition.
“When it comes to predicting results, I don’t believe anyone can until the games are over. However, our strategy is to play a defensive game and rely on our counter-attacking abilities.
“We already know that Vietnam and the Philippines are the top teams in the tournament. Despite our limited resources, with steely wills and unity, we will come away with a good result,” he said.
