A year after returning from an electrifying six-year spell in the J1 League, BG Pathum United’s dazzling playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin can’t wait for the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup to get underway.
The Thai icon was appointed as the BGPU captain ahead of the new season where the Pathum Thani side will not only be looking to regain the domestic league title but also challenge for the inaugural Shopee Cup.
And with the Southeast Asian club competition’s group stage kicking off on August 21, Chanathip is already aiming high.
“I want to win the Shopee Cup,” said Chanathip in an exclusive interview with ASEAN United FC. “I feel very excited to compete in it. This is a great chance for us to test ourselves against other teams in the Southeast Asian region.
“These tournaments don’t come by often, so I will give it my all and I hope to lead my team to victory.”
Winning isn’t something new to one of Southeast Asia’s greatest-ever players, who has inspired his nation to three AFF Championship titles, starred as Muangthong United won the 2016 Thai League 1 title and has lifted the Thai League Cup with three different sides – most recently with BGPU in June.
The three-time AFF Championship MVP and two-time Thailand Footballer of the Year also broke the J1 League domestic transfer record after his performances for Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo over several seasons persuaded Kawasaki Frontale to part with around USD 3.8 million for his services.
Despite having achieved so much, Chanathip remains hungry for more. But the 30-year-old attacking midfielder sees the Shopee Cup as much more than just a chance to add more silverware to an already-bulging trophy cabinet.
“It’s not just about me going to show my talents at the Shopee Cup and winning another trophy,” said Chanathip. “I think it’s bigger than that.
“We BGPU players want to represent Thailand and the Thai League in this tournament. It’s time for us to show everyone we have a high standard and represent our nation well.”
BGPU are among two Thai clubs in the inaugural ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup. They will join Malaysia’s Terengganu FC, Vietnam’s Đông Á Thanh Hóa FC, Indonesia’s PSM Makassar, Cambodia’s Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC and Myanmar’s Shan United FC in Group A.
Meanwhile, domestic rivals Buriram United find themselves in Group B alongside Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur City FC, Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội FC, Indonesia’s Borneo FC Samarinda, the Philippines’ Kaya FC - Iloilo and Singapore’s Lion City Sailors FC.
And with the Thai sides performing well in continental competitions in recent years, which included BGPU advancing to the knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League in 2021 and 2022 – the latter of which they reached the quarter-finals – there is little doubt Chanathip and co. are among the tournament favourites.
“We’re ready to face any team,” said Chanathip. “Our group of players carry a lot of confidence. We have a strong team that is ready to compete on the pitch.
“I’m not surprised many view us as the favourites to win the Shopee Cup. Fans and opposing teams are entitled to their opinions. Even in the Thai League, we’re viewed week in, and week out as the favourites to win every match.
“There’s a lot of noise outside but our team must make sure to block that out and not let any of it bother us. We want to do well in every game and win the entire tournament.”
Heading into the campaign, BGPU boast a squad loaded with stars including the prolific Teerasil Dangda, Thai international Kritsada Kaman and Singapore hotshot Ikhsan Fandi.
And the club has also been busy in the transfer market in the off-season, acquiring Jaroensak Wonggorn, Sivakorn Tiatrakul and Ikhsan’s brother, Ilhan Fandi, as well as overseas stars including Lars Veldwijk, Christian Gomis and Gakuto Notsuda.
In total, there have been 17 arrivals in recent months. The new-look Rabbits displayed their quality for the world to behold as they thumped Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in an unforgettable pre-season friendly.
“It’s a very exciting season ahead,” added Chanathip. “We have a lot of new faces in our team who are ready to fight for their spot. It’s good for a team to have a lot of competition. It will bring the best out of us come game time.
“Our team is ready. I’m ready. I hope our fans are ready too. It’s going to be a fun season.”
The Rabbits, who suffered a surprise defeat to newly promoted Rayong at the weekend, will travel to Indonesia on Matchday One as an opening-night fixture away to PSM Makassar at Batakan Stadium awaits.
Will the Chanathip-inspired BGPU team wind up the inaugural ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup winners?
Only time will tell.
Photo: BG Pathum United
Share now
