FC Phuket in training in Bangkok

PHUKET: FC Phuket are now in their second week of training for the upcoming “mini-league” playoffs to determine which four of the twelve qualifying teams will move up to Division One of the Thai League.

Arjhan Songgamsub, head coach of Division 2 South champion FC Phuket, also known as Southern Sea Kirin, said all of his players are in good shape mentally and physically for the upcoming matches.

Speaking from Bangkok, he said, “The FC Phuket players have been training here since September 16. Most of them are here, except four or five who have to work and three who have been chosen to represent Thailand in the Asia Football Confederation (AFC) Under-19 Championships in China.”

The three rising under-19 stars are Sarach Yooyen, Chakrit Ravanprakon and Adisak Kraisorn.

The playoffs were originally scheduled to begin in mid-October, but have since been postponed due to the AFC Under-19 Championships, which run from October 3 to 17.

The AIS Regional League board is set to meet on September 29 to set the new schedule, he said.

FC Phuket is in Group B, along with: Loei City, Rajvithee FC of Bangkok, Chainat FC, Rayong FC and Samut Prakarn FC.

Coach Arjharn said his players will do the best they can to try to take one of the top two spots in the group and the promotion rights that go along with it.

Trang FC, who took second spot in Division 2 South, will compete in Group A along with: Chiang Mai FC; Saraburi FC, Buriram FC, Bangkok FC and Phichit FC.

— Sittipong Nongkaew