Argentine coach Felix Dalmas at a press conference on April 2. FFC
The Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) has announced that Argentine coach Felix Dalmas will replace Japanese general manager Keisuke Honda, who will end his role after the upcoming 32nd SEA Games, on May 17.
Dalmas was pleased to accept the challenge of guiding the Cambodian side. He served as Honda’s assistant from August 2018, until personal issues and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic forced him to return to Argentina in March 2021.
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“Although I left Cambodia, my heart remained here. I knew that there was work I still wanted to do,” said Dalmas at an April 2 press conference.
“I didn’t want to leave Cambodia, but my family situation during the pandemic forced me to call a halt to the work I was doing with Honda. I have seen the plans and goals that the FFC has laid out, and witnessed the growth of the game in the Kingdom.
“When I saw the plans they were making going forward, I knew I had to be a part of them. Therefore, I had to return. I also want to thank the fans who have welcomed me back,” he added.
Many in the federation see Dalmas as one of the most dedicated members of the Cambodian football system, recalling him attending training sessions on crutches after an accident during his last tenure.
It was under his coaching that the Cambodian side was able to break their SEA Games record, reaching the 2019 semifinals of the Philippines game, their first time to advance so far in the tournament.
Dalmas was no longer a part of the training team during the 31st SEA Games – held in Vietnam last year after Indonesia transferred its hosting rights the year prior due to the pandemic – when Cambodia crashed out of the group stage.
Naturally, Dalmas would brook no such thoughts.
“I want to make sure the team can build on the fantastic work that Honda has done. I can also see the influence of the Cambodia Premier League and the huge amount of on-and-off the field talent that it is attracting,” he said.
“I am very excited to see this growth and want us to work as well together as we used to. We want to establish a team that will make all of you proud and bring all of you happiness. To this end, I will need your participation. We must work together. It will take patience, love and support to grow the team,” he added.
FFC secretary-general Keo Sarath said Dalmas’ initial contract would run until 2026.
“We have more competitions coming up in the near future – we need to organise a team to play in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, as well as other regional tournaments. As soon as the SEA Games are completed, Dalmas will take over. We have been working on securing his signature for some time,” he explained.
“He has a lot of experience working with Cambodian footballers, and a proven track record of driving them to achieve positive results. We feel very comfortable with the signing,” he said.
