Star outside hitter Muen Menglai looks to spike the ball past the Svay Rieng provincial police side during a match on January 26. CVF
The head coach of the Ministry of Interior volleyball squad has expressed serious concerns about a serious injury to key outside hitter Muen Menglai as the team prepare for the second round of the Techo League.
The top four teams from the round two clashes will advance to the semi-finals, where they will earn a shot at a spot in the final.
“We are very worried because, without Menglai, it will be extremely difficult for us to compete. He is a crucial member of our club,” head coach Ou Sophal told The Post on Wednesday, January 29.
During the first round, which concluded on January 26, the ministry team performed exceptionally well, winning six matches and losing just one, to arch-rivals Visakha. This saw them top the round one rankings, with 19 points.
They were followed by the Bodyguard Headquarters team and the Visakha club.
The Takeo and Pursat provincial police sides placed 7th and 8th, and were eliminated.
The interior ministry’s Menglai returns a serve from the Svay Rieng police team on January 26. CVF
Reflecting on the first round, Sophal praised his players for their willingness to take on strong sides. He also mentioned the team's resilience despite past disappointments, particularly their losses in the finals of the 2024 Sar Kheng Cup and the Neth Savoeun Cup 2025.
He believed the losses had driven the players to fight harder for wins on the court.
Sophal admitted that the second round of the competition, scheduled for February 7-9 and 15, will be even tougher due to intense competition. The absence of Menglai puts further pressure on the team.
“This round will be more challenging because all six remaining teams are strong. Even the number six-ranked Third Intervention Brigade side cannot be underestimated. Each squad has clear objectives and has spent a lot on foreign players, while our team consists solely of local athletes,” he explained.
He insisted that the club’s ultimate goal is still to reach the final, but accepted that the injury was a major setback.
“Our club relies entirely on Cambodian players, and we lack a substitute who can match Menglai’s level, he added.
Interior ministry head coach Ou Sophal watches intensely. His squad defeated the Svay Rieng police team 3-1. CVF
Wearing jersey No. 14, Menglai suffered a serious left ankle injury during the team’s 3-1 victory over the Svay Rieng provincial police side on January 26. Medical scans revealed serious ligament damage.
“The doctor told me that no bones were broken, but the ligament damage is severe and may require a long recovery. I deeply appreciate the concern and messages from my supporters. I’m feeling a bit better now, but I’m still unsure if I can fully regain my 100 per cent playing form in time,” Meglai shared.
Although his fitness remained uncertain, he revealed that he hoped to return for the second weekend of round two on February 15.
“If Menglai returns to the court, he won’t be able to play at full strength—maybe only 70-80 per cent. This is a major concern for me and the club’s management,” acknowledged Sophal.
“Regardless of the outcome, we will accept it because we are a team which is proudly built entirely from locally trained Cambodian players,” he added.
