‘It’ll be a serious issue for us’ – Um Sereyroth on players’ departure

Phnom Penh៖ Um Sereyroth reckons several quality players’ departure as a serious issue that Ministry of National Defense need to deal with this season.

Ministry of National Defense have lost a lot of experienced players the like of Reung Bunheing, Chhreng Polroth, Chhin Chhoeun, and Um Vichet, who joined their respective rivals Visakha, Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng, and Phnom Penh Crown.

Tep Longrachna’s side finished seventh in the Metfone Cambodian League last season, and this season Um Sereyroth believes Ministry of National Defense are unlikely to compete with other Cambodian powerhouses.

Um Sereyroth told camsports.org: “Of course, it will be a problem for the club when good players have left. It will be a serious problem for the team to let them go.

“We have lost a lot of quality players, who also play for Cambodia. I think it will be hard for us this season, and their departure will make Ministry of National Defense hard to challenge with other [top] teams.

“It will be a big gap between us and the rivals as we are lack of quality local players, so no doubt we will struggle this season.

“I can’t tell you where we will finish [in the league] this season, but hopefully it won’t be a big gap if compared to other big teams. The coach is working hard to prepare our team and find good replacements.

“I know it will be hard for us as our new players will need time to adapt to the team tactic, but I’m always sure I will give 100 per cent. We will try to make a good game against every opposition team.

“We need to give our all, and win or lose we need to accept it and take responsibility for that.”