PHNOM PENH (13 July 2012) – The Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) have announced the appointment of former international Hok Sochetra as new chief coach of the national team ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup qualifiers from 5-13 October, 2012.
Considered to be one of the best strikers during the 90s in Southeast Asia, Sochetra scored 42 goals in 64 internationals between 1995 and 2003. He replaced Korean manager Lee Tae-hoon.
“Sure, I’m so happy for this job, but it’s not an easy job for me. I need to work hard with confidence, this is the national team,” the 39-year-old Sochetra told the Phnom Penh Post. “We will work hard together to lead the Cambodian team to the final stage of the Suzuki Cup.”
“I love every player; I don’t have any favourite player, so I’ll choose based on their competence on the field and also their discipline.”
“Some players are good in playing but not good at living with other team-mates, so I will not choose them. Some fans accuse the national team when they lose because they love the team so much. But they must also know the standard of our side.
“Before playing, we never think about losing but most of us know we are unlikely to get a result against the likes of China and North Korea.”
For the AFF Suzuki Cup qualifiers, Cambodia are up against hosts Myanmar, Timor Leste, Laos and Brunei.
