Former Cambodian national team defender and Visakha player Tes Sambath passed away in a traffic accident on April 20. FFC/ Visakha
The management of football clubs across Cambodia, along with coaches and supporters — forming the wider Cambodian football family — have expressed their sorrow over the death of footballer Tes Sambath, a talented defender who contributed significantly to the development of Cambodian football, both in the domestic league and on the international stage.
Sambath, a former national player who was currently signed for Visakha FC, tragically lost his life on the night of April 20. He lost control of his motorcycle and fell into a stream and drowned. The incident occurred in Phnom Penh’s Kamraeng village, in Dangkor district’s Sak Sampov commune, according to preliminary reports from locals who witnessed the accident.
Visakha FC officially announced his passing at 12.16pm on Monday, confirming that Sambath passed away at around 10.30pm. He was just 25.
The club described his passing as the loss of one of Cambodia’s finest football talents, as well as a beloved husband, father and family member known for his gentle and virtuous character.
Sambath, whose recent career was plagued by injury woes, was widely considered one of the best defenders of his generation. FFC/Visakha
“On behalf of the management, staff and all players of Visakha FC, we are profoundly shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Tes Sambath,” said an official statement.
“We are all deeply grieved by the loss of such an important Cambodian football talent. We send our heartfelt condolences to Sambath’s family, and we pray for his soul to find peace and eternal rest,” it added.
The management of other football clubs, as well as coaches, players and fans across the Kingdom, have also posted widespread messages of condolence, expressing grief over his passing. Many have said they are heartbroken and in disbelief upon hearing the tragic news.
Although Sambath had not appeared much on the pitch in recent years and had been absent from the national team due to recurring injuries, he was still remembered for his heroic and brave performances as a defender — marked by sharp anticipation and skill in closing down opponents. He was once captain of both the national team and Boeung Ket FC, before moving to Visakha FC in 2021.
Sambath began his football journey at the Bati National Football Academy from 2014 to 2018, and had been selected for the national youth teams from U-15, U-19 and U-23, eventually reaching the senior national team. However, his biggest regret was not being able to play for Cambodia in the 31st SEA Games in 2022 in Vietnam, due to a leg injury sustained during a Cambodian Premier League match.
“I’m really saddened, because that was supposed to be my final SEA Games. My goal had been set since the end of the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines. It was a major goal for my career,” said Sambath at the time, reflecting on missing out on the 2022 tournament.
But now, he has left us forever.
