Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Phnom Penh: Keisuke Honda intends to move forward slowly and steadily to build up the squad after his first training session with the Cambodia national team on Tuesday.
The former international, who is now a full-time A-League player with Melbourne Victory, told reporters in Phnom Penh - where he serves as volunteer general manager for the Cambodian squad - that Monday’s friendly against Malaysia will be no easy task.
“It will be a difficult game on Monday as Malaysia is a very good country, they are very strong,” said the Japanese legend at the Olympic National Stadium.
“I want to contribute all my experience to the Cambodian national team. My mission is to change Cambodian football right now... but of course that’s not easy.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Phnom Penh: Japan star Keisuke Honda has been appointed as the general manager and coach of the Cambodia national team.
Football Federation of Cambodia President General Sao Sokha, in announcing Honda's signing on Sunday, said the Melbourne Victory player will help chart the national team's fortunes in the 2018 AFF Cup.
Honda's appointment comes just days after he signed with reigning A-League champions Melbourne Victory for the 2018-19 season.
Media reports stated that Honda will continue his playing career in the A-League but will assist Cambodia’s coaching staff through weekly video calls.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sydney: Japanese star Keisuke Honda has signed for reigning A-League champions Melbourne Victory with the former AC Milan striker calling it the best club in Australia.
Honda, who retired from international football after Japan's heartbreaking 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia exit in a last-gasp defeat to Belgium, put pen to paper for the 2018/19 season.
"It goes without saying that Keisuke has consistently proven himself at the highest level and we can't wait to see what he can do in Melbourne," said Victory head coach Kevin Muscat.
The talismanic 32-year-old, one of the highest profile names in Asian football, had been a free agent since departing Mexican club Pachuca.
"I am so happy to join the Melbourne Victory. I knew they were interested in me one week after the World Cup," he told Fox Sports.
"I really like a new challenge, that's me. I checked a couple of things. Melbourne Victory is the most successful club in the A-League. That's amazing. They became champs many times," he added.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: There was success, disappointment and lessons learned as the five Asian teams concluded their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaigns. They will all now turn their attention to AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 with a continental crown up for grabs.
Coach Vahid Halilhodzic's departure from the Japan helm shortly before the World Cup might not have seemed the ideal preparation for Russia 2018 with Akira Nishino stepping into the breach in a temporary role.
Nevertheless, Japan's campaign in Russia proved to be the highlight of Asia's representatives, as they repeated their efforts of 2002 and 2010 in reaching the Round of 16 - the only side from the continent to do so at Russia 2018 - before bowing out bravely to eventual third-placed side Belgium.
A high level of performances all-around at the World Cup was unquestionably a boost ahead of UAE 2019, but can the next generation step up to replace the outgoing veterans?