Strength in depth

I know there are 49 more matches to go but I can't see past Phnom Penh Crown as this year's C-League champions

The half-way stage of the Metfone C-League is upon us. Later this afternoon, the Army (Ministry of National Defense) resume league action when they take on Wat Phnom at the Olympic Stadium, start time 3.30pm. Rain is guaranteed. Bring a coat. I'm rooting for the Army to do well in the 2nd half of the season, primarily because they have some of the league's most exciting players (Nov Soseila, Oum Kumpheak, Suong Virak, Samreth Seiha, Khim Borey to name the obvious ones) and as they're an all-Khmer team. They won the Hun Sen Cup at the start of the season and it would be great for them, and Cambodian football, if they captured the double. It would be like an all-British team winning the Barclays League. That will never happen but I'm sure you get my drift. However, I see a tough road ahead, even if they manage to crowbar Om Thavrak, my favourite player in the C-League, into their line-up, which would make my day I must admit. Hand on head instead of heart, I think Phnom Penh Crown will win the league. They have the best strength in depth, the best of the foreign contingent, most likely the biggest bank balance and a firm belief in themselves that they're the best. I fully expect The Prince and Keo Sokngorn to shine in the second half of the campaign, and if they have signed Olisa Onyemerea as well, that will only strengthen their attacking options. What about the current leaders BBU I hear you shout? Great first half of the season for sure, but they simply don't have the squad to maintain their challenge. Naga and Preah Khan will be there or thereabouts but they too don't have the depth to match Crown. My top four destined for the end of season Super 4 play-offs are Crown, Naga, Army and Preah Khan. Any other team care to make me eat my words? Naga managed to win the title last season against the odds, can anyone match that memorable effort this time around?

Thavrak signs up

Om Thavrak (left) and one of his biggest fans

One obvious face missing from the Naga Corp team that played in the AFC President's Cup in Burma last week was their skipper Om Thavrak. It appears that the new bosses in charge of Naga have decided that he is no longer part of their future plans and he's been told to find another club. As a current Cambodian international and one of the hardest men in the C-League that didn't present the no-nonsense, blood and guts centre half with any problem and he's been training with the Ministry of National Defense with a view to lining-up for them in the second half of the current C-League season. The rules state that he has to wait until the mid-season break to sign for a new club. He won the championship last year as Naga's skipper and his leadership qualities are obvious, and will be a massive asset to what is still a young and improving Army team. Certainly a case of the Army's gain and Naga's loss if you ask me.