SPORTS NOTES - Sochetra Returns To Cambodian National Team - January 2002

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

The $100 a month salary paid to team members wasn't enough for Sochetra. The robust striker was working full time with the Samart cell phone company. He was overweight and out of shape. "No power." Sochetra said.

Monday January 14, 2002

NO MONEY, NO HONEY, NO FOOTBALL

Cambodia' star striker Hok "Jet" Sochetra has returned to the squad. The 28-year-old has been working out with the team after a nine-month absence.

As a guest on "Love FM" radio in Phnom Penh, Sochetra said, " I didn't say I finished my football, I just say only I stop, because I do my work."

Sochetra is the teams leading scorer, registering 42 goals in 64 International matches. His last international competition was nine months prior as a part time player April 1, 2001. It was the teams opening World Cup qualifying match against Maldives in Phnom Penh, after which he left the team.

The $100 a month salary paid to team members wasn't enough for Sochetra. The robust striker was working full time with the Samart cell phone company. He was overweight and out of shape. "No power." Sochetra said after going scoreless in the 1-1 Maldives draw.

Samart wanted him off the team. Samart's change of heart gives the late staring talent a chance continue his development.

Sochetra took up the game at the age of 20. His first International competition was in the 1995 Sea Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Cambodian squad went scoreless throughout the event.

"He's a great talent," coach Joachim Fickert said. "Unfortunately he started a little bit late in football. If Jet had played for 10 years he would be one of the world stars in football."

As a full time player his last contest was the 2000 Tiger Cup. Sochetra scored three of the teams five goals. He was picked by ESPN/Star Sports analyst Scott O'Donel as being one of the two best strikers in Southeast Asia along with Thailand's Kiatisuk Senamuang.

Fickert emphasized that the stars return will give the team better chances in the upcoming competition this year. He pointed out what he felt Sochetra will bring to his young squad whom he says was one of the youngest who participated in World Cup competition.

"They need's a leader, they need an engine' he said of the team's benefit of "Jets" return. They need someone who can help [them]. That's what I think this is more important than scoring goals."

Sochetra is in two a day workouts and Fickert feels his star should return to form in three months.

Sochetra continues his employment while training and is also a member of the company team. The Tiger Cup will be the first scheduled International test for Cambodia…14 months after Sochetra's last National team match as a full time player.

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