Naga look for new coach

Ung Kanyanith has laced up his boots once more after recovering from a year-long injury.

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Thursday, 26 November 2009 15:00 Ken Gadaffi

Michael Thachnen has quit as coach of the CPL champions Naga Corp

MICHAEL Thachnen has stepped down as coach of reigning Cambodian Premier League (CPL) champions Naga Corp, the club revealed Wednesday. According to team manager Lam Thiny, the coach, who led the club to their third league title in September this year, was forced to quit at the start of November due to a busy work schedule. “[Thachnen] has a lot of other work to do, thus he does not have enough time [to coach Naga],” explained the manager. “So he has opted out.”

Michael Thachnen has stepped down as coach of Naga Corp due to work commitments.

Naga assistant coach Nem Vuthy has taken over the head-coaching role pending the appointment of a new coach. Lam Thiny stated that the club is currently looking for a replacement, but ruled out the possibility of signing a foreign coach, as the club wish to use local expertise.

Meanwhile, Khemara Keila coach Ung Kanyanith has also handed in his resignation, instead choosing to pursue a return to the field.

The coach and former captain of the 2009 CPL runners-up has been on trial for third placed Preah Khan Reach (PKR), making an appearance as a substitute in a friendly against Kirivong Sok Sen Chey Saturday in Takeo. His introduction in the second half did little to save PKR from going down 4-2 to their opponents, but he noted that it felt good to play once more. “I stopped playing due to injury,” said Ung Kanyanith after the game. “But now I am better and have decided to lace my boots again.”

The talented former national team striker took up a coaching position at Khemara at the end of the 2008 CPL season after sustaining a knee injury while playing for a club in Thailand.

Photos by Nick Sells (http://www.nicksellsphotography.com/)