Kiatisak gets hero’s welcome in Khon Kaen

Kiatisak gets hero’s welcome in Khon Kaen

KHON KAEN: Football fever hit this northeastern province yesterday when hometown hero, national coach Kiatisak Senamuang, led his team to play in a charity match.

Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang, centre, is followed by Khon Kaen fans.

Thousands of fans queued up at the 5,000-seat Khon Kaen Stadium in Muang district as early as 3am to buy tickets for the match between the national side and League One team Khonkaen FC.

The match kicked off at 6pm and organisers had to install seven big screens outside the stadium to show live the game.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

The match was organised by the Khon Kaen Provincial Administration Organisation and Kiatisak's Zico Foundation to raise funds to construct a building for patients at Nam Phong hospital in Nam Phong district.

One of Thailand’s most successful players and coaches, Kiatisak was born in Kumphawapi district in Udon Thani but spent most of his childhood in Nam Phong which he considers home.

Kiatisak, 41, steered Thailand to win back the AFF Suzuki Cup, or the Southeast Asian championship, last month.

Kiatisak also guided the U23 side to win the 2013 SEA Games title and finish fourth at last year’s Asian Games.

Yesterday’s match was part of the national side’s preparations for the King’s Cup tournament to be held in Nakhon Ratchasima from Feb 1-7.

Thailand will play against South Korea, Uzbekistan and Honduras in the four-team, round-robin tournament.

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