2022 Cambodian Premier League season set to begin
The 2022 Cambodian Premier League season is set to begin this weekend, with a full schedule in both divisions. Here’s our guide on what to look out for in the coming weekend season.
To read about the Cambodian Premier League click here.
The 2022 Cambodian Premier League (CPL 1)
The top-tier will feature eight teams playing each other three times, making a total of 21 matches. Theoretically, those coming in the bottom two might face relegation, but this depends on the second division clubs and their ability to get a license for the top-flight.
We’d love to give more information, but there simply isn’t any!
Matches are planned to be held on Saturdays at 3pm, the hottest part of the day, because some of the pitches lack floodlights.
As for who will win the 2022 Cambodian Premier League? For us it looks like a three way battle between reining champions Phnom Penh Crown FC, big spenders Visakha FC, and Svay Rieng, runners-up in both league and cup last year.
At the bottom you’d expect Kirivong Sok Sen Chey to struggle, but with many new managers needing to test themselves, there could be some surprises at the bottom.
And as for players to look out for? SaTy made a high profile move to Visakha and has since impressed during the AFF Under 23 Championship. One would expect him to continue to flourish. From a foreigner point of view, Markus Haber has swapped a Visakha for a Svay Rien jersey. Will he be enough to sway the balance?
May 5th CPL fixtures
Amazingly there has still not been an official fixture list released, but we have managed to put the following together – basically through the Facebook pages of clubs.
Svay Rieng FC vs Kiroving Sok Sen Chey FC
Angkor Tigers FC vs Visakha FC
Tiffy Army FC vs Phnom Penh Crown
Boeung Ket FC vs Nagaworld
All matches are supposed to start at 3pm at the home stadium, although if all fixtures will be completed is yet to be confirmed.
2022 Cambodian Premier League 2
New CPL chief Staoshi had a grand plan for a new second-tier with 12 clubs in it, which to be fair he has succeeded in. You can read about CPL 2 here. Alas whilst 12 clubs has been achieved there are at least 2 facing uncertain financial futures, so quite whether the league finishes on 12 clubs is another matter.
Who will be at the top and the bottom of CPL 2? At the top you’d have to fancy the “big 5” who dropped down from the metfone Cambodian League, such as EDFC, or Prey Veng FC, with an outside shot for National Academy and Koh Kong FC. Whether anyone gets promoted will depend on their ability to get a license!
At the bottom a few of the provincial teams look weak, while Next Step FC are in the first season as professionals, although their coach insists they are not there just to “make up the numbers”!
To read our interview with Next Step FC click here.
March 6th fixtures CPL 2 Fixtures
ISI Dangkor Sen Chey FC vs Prey Veng FC
Asia Euro United vs Siem Reap FC
Koh Kong FC vs Tbong Khmum FC
EDC FC vs Banteay Mean Chey FC
Next Step FC vs National Academy FC
Soltilo Angkor FC vs National Police FC
All matches to be played at 15.45, with home team listed first.
Who is sponsoring the 2022 Cambodian Premier League?
Literally the $3 million question, the exact amount Satoshi wants to raise. Rumours have been a “Japanese company”, with numerous names floated, but with no TV deal and no sponsor heading into week 1, things are looking a little bleak.
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