Chan Vathanaka has become the most talented striker in Cambodia football right now after finishing the 2015 domestic regular season with 35 goals. Born in Kampot Province, the 21-year-old made his international debut last year against Turkmenistan. Here are five facts that you may not know about the most promising player in Cambodia.
The first player scored eight goals in a single match in Cambodian League: On 11 July 2015, Vathanaka had scored eight goals in the 12-2 win of Boeung Ket Angkor over Kirivong Sok Sen Chey. This is the highest tally goals for a Cambodian-born player in the league.
Top Southeast Asian goalscorers in 2015: With 35 goals in Cambodian League 2015, Chan Vathanaka has been the top Southeast Asian player who scored the most goal in all Southeast Asian domestic leagues so far in the 2015 season. Including the foreign players in the region, no one can score as many goals as Vathanaka has in 2015 season.
Has scored 55 goals in 2015: Vathanaka has scored 55 goals in all competitions in 2015 including 35 goals in the Cambodian League, 10 goals for Cambodia U23, 2 goals for Cambodia national team ,6 goals in the Hun Sen Cup and 2 goals in the 2015 Mekong club Championship. With that amount of goals, Vathanaka has almost caught up the leading scorers in the world such as Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi in 2015. He may achieve more goals this year as Boeung Ket Angkor still compete in 2015 Cambodian League play-off round and 2015 Mekong club Championship.
Like singing Karaoke at the spare time: While not playing football, Chan Vathanaka likes singing karaoke. In September, when he couldn’t play due to injury, he has spent about 7 hours to record his performed songs with famous Cambodian singer – Meas Soksophea.
Dating with famous Cambodian swimmer: Vathanaka is in a relationship with Cambodian swimmer, who competed in 2012 Olympic, Hem Thon Vitiny. The two met at a festival when they were both 16 and have been together since then.
