Siem Reap United (in black) take on Young Dragon at Preah Sisowath High School in the final of the 4v4 Cambodia Cup. PEAK Sports
Although he no longer holds an official role with the Cambodian national team, Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda remains committed to his dream of seeing Cambodia make it to the FIFA World Cup.
He urged all stakeholders to continue supporting the development of young players, so the goal may one day be achieved.
The former general manager of the Cambodian national team shared his thoughts during a recent visit to Cambodia to organise the 4v4 Cambodia U10 Cup. The event, held on Sunday January 19 at Preah Sisowath High School, featured 32 teams divided into eight groups.
Honda explained that the 4v4 football format for children was first launched in Japan two years ago and has since been expanded to ASEAN and Asian countries to cultivate future football talent.
He expressed his great joy ay bringing the programme to Cambodia, providing young Cambodian players with a platform to showcase their skills and talent in a modern football format.
Having concluded his contract as manager of the Kouprey at the start of 2023, Honda hoped that through the 4v4 tournament, Cambodian youth will be inspired to pursue their dreams of becoming high-calibre national players. He believes this effort will eventually help Cambodia reach the World Cup.
Keisuke Honda speaks to the young players at the closing ceremony of the 4v4 Cambodia Cup U10 on January 19. PEAK Sports
“They will become national players in the future, and they will make you proud. So please continue to support them. I hope that Cambodia’s national team will become stronger and will play in the World Cup in the future – it’s my dream,” he added.
The 4v4 Cambodia Cup tournament, held all day Sunday, culminated in a thrilling victory for the Siem Reap United squad. They clinched the championship by defeating Young Dragon 1-0 in a penalty shootout, following a 4-4 draw at the end of the 10-minute final.
Phkar Rik Kroprodov secured third place by defeating Phnom Penh Crown’s youth team 1-0 in another penalty shootout, again after a 4-4 draw. The event, broadcast live on PEAK Sports, attracted significant attention from football fans.
More action from the 4v4 Cambodia Cup U10 tournament. PEAK Sports
Thanks to their win, the Siem Reap U10 team will travel to Japan with Honda this coming summer. They will take part in the 4v4 Asian Cup, competing against other youth champions from ASEAN and Asian countries.
Honda encouraged the other teams to not lose hope, emphasising that this is just the beginning. He urged the young players to keep striving to fulfil their future dreams.
