Movement at Crown

George Bisan signs on for another year. Pic Aman Singh.

Lots taking place this week already at Phnom Penh Crown. First-up is a further 1-year extension on the contract of last season's leading goalscorer with 20 goals, George Bisan, that will take him through to the end of 2015. George joined Crown in November 2013 after a year apiece with Chhlam Samuth (on loan) and Boeung Ket, where he was top scorer in both seasons. Born in Kaduna City in Nigeria, the 22-year-old striker started out with Waco Boys Academy and Maracana FC in his home country before coming to Cambodia where he has scored 52 goals in three seasons in the Metfone C-League. Head coach Sam Schweingruber had this to say about his star striker. "After last season's dominance by George in front of goal, we are very pleased to continue to have his support and goals. His physical power has helped him to make a name in Cambodia - often for being unstoppable. He was recently voted our best player at the Mekong Cup where he scored goals for fun and we are proud to have him on our side for the new season again. If his recent development continues, I am convinced his best season in Cambodia is still to come!"

There was also the Hun Sen Cup draw on Wednesday. The draw for the last 16 of the Hun Sen Cup saw 8 qualifying teams join the top 8 teams from last year's Metfone C-League and Crown have been drawn in Group C alongwith Boeung Ket, Army and Battambang. The matches will take place as follows, with locations and kick-off times to be confirmed in a couple of days:
Fri 23 Jan - PPCFC vs Army 3.45pm @ Army Stadium
Thu 5 Feb - PPCFC vs Battambang 1.30pm @ Army Stadium
Mon 9 Feb - PPCFC vs Boeung Ket 1.30pm at Tonle Bati.
The top two teams from Group C will be drawn against the top two from Group D, likely to be Naga and Svay Rieng, in the QF's on 13 & 14 February. The Final will be on 21 February.

On Tuesday, the club announced the sale of defender Hong Pheng to Boeung Ket for a substantial fee. The Battambang-born full-back made 23 appearances last season, scoring twice. He joined Crown in February 2011 from Baksey Chamkrong, and represented the Cambodia national team in the AFF Suzuki Cup last year. He was one of four players recently suspended from first-team activities. Young midfielder Sean Pisa moves in the opposite direction, joining Crown as part of the transfer arrangements, having also played with BBU last season. He originates from Battambang.