ASIAN Futsal powerhouse Chonburi Bluewave will be out to snap up more accolade when the AFF Futsal Cup 2019 kicks off tomorrow here at Terminal 21 Korat.
The eight-time Thailand Futsal champions and who have also won the AFC Futsal Championship twice in 2013 and 2017, have been placed in a tough Group A against Black Steel Manokwari of Indonesia and also Sanvinest Sanatech Khanh Hoa of Vietnam.
But as Chonburi Bluewave head coach Rakphol Sainetngam said at the pre match press conference, the AFF Futsal Cup – previously the AFF Futsal Club – is one title they have yet to pick up.
“We have won many titles but the AFF Futsal Cup is one that we have yet given the chance to win. But now we will have that opportunity,” said Rakphol.
“We have a good relationship with Black Steel (their opponent in the opening game of Group A tomorrow) where we exchange players in the past. So it will be an interesting game.
“The plan is to make sure that we keep the strong tradition of keeping the title in Thailand. That will be very important too.”
In the meantime, Black Steel Manokwari stated that all previous relationship between the two clubs will stop tomorrow. At least for the duration of the match.
Black Steel Manokwari head coach Yori Van Der Torren said that he will be expecting a tough game considering that they will be playing against one of the best teams in Asia.
“Chonburi are definitely one of the best teams in Asia so it will be a testing outing for us especially when we are using mostly young players for this championship,” added Van Der Torren.
“But that is not to say that the group will just be about us and Chonburi as Sanvinest also have the quality to compete. So we are looking forward to a very competitive tournament.”
Added Sanvinest Sanatech Khanh Hoa’s head coach Prasert Innui: “we are in a very tough group. So we are not aiming for the title but rather, we are just looking at moulding and improving as a team.”
Over in Group A, the battle will be between Myanmar Imperial University (MIU), Melaka United of Malaysia and also Down Town Sport of Cambodia.
MIU team manager Zaw Thu Maung said that the team will be out to improve on their hat trick of third-placed finish in 2015, 2016 and 2018.
“We are using basically the same players from last year so we should be better,” said Thu Maung.
Added Melaka United head coach Mohamad Isa Abdul Rahim: “it is the third time that we are taking part in this event. But this time round, we are using young players, mostly under the age of 22.”
Down Town Sport head coach Hol Sopheak quipped: “it will be the first time that we are taking part. When compared to the other teams, they have more experience. But we need to participate so that we can improve.”
FIXTURES – 18 June 2019
All matches at Terminal 21 Hall Korat
1400: Black Steel Manokwari vs PTT Chonburi Bluewave
1600: Melaka United vs Myanmar Imperial University
