Thailand are looking to make a clean sweep of both the men and women’s football event when the SEA Games get off next month in Kuala Lumpur.
With both men and women’s football as well as Futsal back on offer at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, regional kingpins Thailand are all eager on the chase for a clean sweep.
“Our aim is to defend the gold medal (in men’s football) and bring it back as a gift to the Thai people. It’s a mission that we must accomplish,” said Watanya Wongopasi, the team manager of the Thai’s men’s team.
In men’s football, Thailand have been placed in Group B alongside Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Timor-Leste and the Philippines.
In the meantime, Thai women’s football team manager Nualphan Lamsam said that they can ill-afford to under estimate anyone considering the progress the other teams have made over the past year.
Women’s football is making a return to the SEA Games after being dropped alongside Futsal at the last meet in Singapore.
Other than Thailand, 2009 champions Vietnam, 2013 bronze medallists Myanmar, Philippines and Malaysia will battle it out for the gold in a round robin competition.
“Our goal is to defend the title. But we cannot underestimate Vietnam and Myanmar as they have improved over the years. Even hosts Malaysia can be a threat. We cannot take them lightly. We will carry on with our task and hope to have the support of the fans who will boost our confidence,” said Nualphan. – BY WATTANA
