Football Tribe Thailand
Suphanburi have narrowly avoided relegation for a number of seasons now and managed to remain in T1 on a technicality after being bailed out of the drop zone by PTT Rayong’s decision to fold at the end of last season. Many expected this season to finally bring an end to the War Elephants’ top-flight spell, but the side has impressed early doors, picking up 7 points from their first 4 games. Suphanburi kept hold of survival specialist and long-time affiliate Adebayo Gbadebo and are shaping up to be one of the meanest defenses in the division, giving them solid hope of survival one again.
Wonderkid – Jirawat Thongsaengphrao
It was quite a surprise when Suphanburi FC announced the signing of left-back, Jirawat Thongsaengphrao from Ratchaburi FC. No one knows how they got this deal through, but one thing is for sure, the 21-year-old has the potential to be a Suphanburi star for years to come. Jirawat is a solid set-piece taker and a good crosser – two crucial qualities to make it far as a modern fullback. Defensively, he could be better, but if there is any head coach who can do that for Jirawat, it’s Adebayo Gbadebo.
Key Signing – Felipe Amorim
Suphanburi FC had the worst attacking record of any T1 club in 2019, scoring a total of 29 league goals. It’s no surprise that attacking reinforcements were the number one priority during the off-season, ergo the arrival of Felipe Amorim. The Brazilian player’s creativity and was quite evident he already added a breath of freshness to the Warrior Elephant’s forward line.
Team Leader – Suphan Thongsong
Last season, Suphanburi FC sorely missed Suphan Thongsong composure and leadership in defense after the captain suffered a serious injury with the Thai national team. The former-Muangthong United center-back looks hungry to play and seems fitter than ever. It’s no fluke that Suphanburi has kept two clean sheets from their first 4 games, twice earning his team 0-1 victories. If Suphan can stay injury-free, he’ll increase Suphanburi’s survival chance tenfold and maybe win himself a place in Akira Nishino’s national team selection.