Southeast Asia

SEA Club Focus – Notable Clubs May 2019

By: , May 30, 2019 7:42 pm
Credit – Madura United

In today’s Football Tribe special feature, we take a look at some of the club’s who have made a notable impact in their league in recent days and weeks.

Thailand

Name: Chainat Hornbill FC

League: Thai League (T1)

Chainat stunned everyone on Matchday 13 with a home win over 2nd place Buriram United. The triumph was a huge shock for the visitors, considering that the hornbills were run of 4 straight league defeats, failing to score in all 4 and falling to second from last on the T1 table.

Not only did the win catapulted Chainat out of the relegation zone, but it was only their third win of the season. All three so far have come against the some of the league's biggest sides, as Bangkok United and Muangthong were the previous sides to face defeat at the Khao Plong Stadium.

They might have the league's smallest transfer budget, but head coach Dennis Amato and his team of staff have done a fantastic in recruiting young talent and promoting them into the first team. 19 years old left back Jaturapat Sattham is one of the youngsters reaping the rewards of Amato's faith, bursting onto the scene with his energetic play and was on the scoresheet for Chainat's opening goal on Wednesday night.

This little club from the province known for rice farms might struggle against fellow midtable or bottom tier club but neutral fans can always expect to be entertained by Amato's industrious pressing tactics. Plus, they've proved time and time again that they are more than capable of upsetting the big boys.

Indonesia

Name: Madura United

League: Indonesia Liga 1

So far, Laskar Sapeh Kerrab remain undefeated in three matches league. Called by "Los Maduraticos" in reference to Real Madrid's Galacticos era after the club collected most of the league's best players for the 2019 season. These include last season top scorer Aleksandar Rakic and national hero Andik Vermansyah.

The early leaders have already scored nine goals and have only conceded one, quickly establishing themselves as the favorite to win the league. Last season Greg Nwokolo and his colleagues only finished eighth, but their early run has already indicated that they will substantially improve on that performance.

Vietnam

Name: Thanh Hoa FC

League: V.League 1

Thanh Hoa are currently on an impressive six-game unbeaten run and are the only team in the league who didn't lose during this period. Additionally, they are in very high spirit after reaching the agreement with new sponsors.

While they don't have any big stars in the squad, coach Nguyen Duc Thang has built the good team which solid organization. Alongside league leaders Ho Chi Minh City, Thanh Hoa are considered as one of the must-watch in the league at the moment.

Despite had been considered as one of the relegation contenders, Thanh Hoa now sit in 8th place, just 3 points behind the top three.

Malaysia

Name: Terengganu FC

League: Malaysian Super League

The previous Terengganu FC coach, Irfan Bakti, left his post after the team failed to achieve consistent performances and incited discontent among supporters. In his recent comment, coach Irfan said he will take full responsibility.

He was replaced by Nafuzi Zain, who had served as his assistant coach. The former Terengganu player, who has now been in charge for three weeks after Irfan's resignation, has successfully restored the confidence of the fans.

After two matches, the young new coach has 'passed the test.' After securing one point in a game against FELDA United, his side was able to show their newfound willing mentality against Selangor, as they secured three points at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium. After 15 games, TFC is now in sixth place with 20 points, just six behind second-place Pahang.