Kiatisak Senamuang will be trying to add another Asean title to his accomplishments in his promising coaching career when his men face Malaysia in this week's two-legged AFF Suzuki Cup final.
Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang celebreates after his men beat the Philippines. natthaphol lowakit
The first leg will be held at Bangkok's Rajamangala National Stadium tomorrow and the second leg in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Idolised during his playing days, 'Zico' guided the Thai U23 side that regained the SEA Games title in Myanmar last year before finishing fourth at this year's Asian Games.
Kiatisak played in three winning sides at the Asean Football Championship in 1996 — when he scored the winner against Malaysia — and in 2000 and 2002.
He has now guided Thailand to the brink of a record-equalling fourth title in the biennial tournament, now the AFF Suzuki Cup.
Kiatisak was team captain when Thailand last lifted the title in 2002 with a 4-2 victory over Indonesia in a penalty shoot-out.
He is now in charge of an exciting young side trying to break a 12-year title drought when they face Malaysia this week.
Kiatisak raised some eyebrows by leaving out legendary midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao and resisting the temptation to ask Spanish La Liga side UD Almeria to release striker Teerasil Dangda, top scorer at the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup, for the tournament.
He instead chose a young side with several players coming from the Asian Games squad. So far, this move has paid off handsomely.
Eight players in the starting line-up for the semi-final second leg against the Philippines in Bangkok last week competed at the Asian Games, including goalkeeper and captain Kawin Thamsatchanan, Kroekrit Thaweekarn, who scored a brace.
There are also midfield maestro Chanathip Songkrasin, playmaker Charyl Chappuis, Sarach Yooyen, Perapat Notechaiya, Narubadin Weerawatnodom and Tanaboon Keesart.
Kiatisak meticulously planned the AFF Suzuki Cup campaign and, with the glittering prize now in his sights, he has kept up the intensity in training.
"We want to win back the title to end a 12-year drought," he said. "We are only two matches away from regaining the title so we will train hard for the final."
Thailand defender Adisorn Promrak has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a knee injury.
Striker Kirati Kaewsombut will also miss both final matches because of an injury.
However, Kiatisak welcomes back striker Adisak Kraisorn, who was suspended against the Philippines in the second leg of the semi-final, which was won 3-0 by Thailand following a scoreless draw in the first leg in Manila.
Meanwhile, security will be beefed up at Rajamangala tomorrow. The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) said yesterday anti-riot soldiers will help provide security and search spectators for flares and other objects not allowed in the stadium.
Hua Mark police said they will arrest those who try to sell over-priced tickets outside the stadium.
Fans without tickets are advised to watch the game on TV and not go to the stadium. bangkok post/affsuzukicup.com