In his final match for the club, interior ministry FA’s Nuon Borey (right) fights to pass a Svay Rieng defender. CPL
In the latest Cambodian Premier League (CPL) developments, former national squad member Tum Saray has been appointed head coach at ISI Dangkor Senchey FC, while the Ministry of Interior FA failed to deliver in their most recent match, which marked the retirement of veteran striker Nuon Borey.
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The team suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng at Phnom Penh’s AIA Stadium, KMH Park.
In the December 24 match, part of round 11 of the CPL, the interior ministry squad – playing at home – was unable to score a single goal, losing 5-0.
Svay Rieg’s Brazilian forward Pablo Augusto netted two goals, while Nhean Sosidan, Narong Kakada and veteran forward Prak Monyudom each scored once.
The loss also marked the retirement of the number 9 jersey of Nuon Borey, after a 14-season career with the team.
Following his retirement from the pitch, the club has offered him the opportunity to continue with the team as an assistant coach. He has also been encouraged to pursue further studies to complete his coaching qualifications.
Borey shared his thoughts on hanging up his boots.
Borey poses with his teammates after the match, which his side lost 5-0. CPL
“I decided to retire after seeing that the younger players today have the skill and ability to play at the same level I did. Even after my retirement, I won’t be far from football. I’ll continue learning through coaching courses and will transition from being a player to a coach,” he explained.
“I want to give the young players a chance to showcase their talent and help them improve on their weaknesses. I hope they can develop and eventually join the national team,” said the former national squad forward.
In other CPL news, ISI Dangkor Senchey announced the appointment of Tum Saray as their new head coach. He replaces Jean Botioba Bouyaloua, who will now serve as the club's technical director. The decision was made after Saray led ISI Dangkor Senchey’s U-19 youth team to victory in the 2024 Cambodian League Youth Cup on November 13.
Saray, who previously took Electricite du Cambodge to the 2022 Cambodian League 2 title, expressed his joy at the opportunity.
Former national squad member Tum Saray was appointed head coach at ISI Dangkor Senchey FC on December 23. ISI
“I am truly happy that the club’s management has placed their trust in me and given me the chance to become head coach. For my coaching approach, I value players who compete fiercely. I don't care if they are young or old, as long as they give their best, they will earn playing time in every game,” he said.
As the new head coach, he is focused on developing younger players, particularly in the forward position, to strengthen the national team. He believes that the foreign players dominating the forward positions in the Cambodian league have made it difficult for local players to compete at the highest level.
“In my coaching, I will focus on developing our young Cambodian players to become stronger in the forward position. Together with the coaching staff and players, we are committed to improving ISI Dangkor Senchey and achieving great results for the management and supporters,” explained the former national player.
At present, ISI Dangkor Senchey is ranked 7th in the CPL, with 18 points from 13 matches. Svay Rieng, with three points from the interior ministry annihilation, is ranked 2nd with 31 points, behind Phnom Penh Crown with 37 points. Visakha, on 29 points, has dropped to 3rd, while the Ministry of Interior remains in 10th place with just 5 points.
