Latest news with #BuriramUnited
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- Bangkok Post
Kirins roar back, launch hunt
Former champions Muang Thong United will begin their new Thai League 1 season at home against Sukhothai on Saturday as they look to return to their former glory. Despite being one of the biggest clubs in the country, the Kirins have not won the top-flight title in nine years. Their last Thai League success was back in 2016. They face a tough task against champions Buriram United, who are seen as favourites to retain the title, while Bangkok United, BG Pathum United and Port are all tipped to challenge for the crown as well. "It is our mission to bring Muang Thong back to our glory days. Balance and team building are the winning formulae we believe in, under the club's attacking football philosophy," said club director Ronnarit Suewaja during the unveiling of the club's new uniforms and the "Rise of the Kirins" campaign. "The addition of high-quality foreign players, the recruitment of talented Thai players, and promotion of young players to the first team will create the right balance for the team. Our goal is clear: we want to build a strong team in every aspect, a team that is ready to compete for success in every competition," he added. Muang Thong will play under Rangsan Viwatchaichok, who is recognised as one of Thailand's brightest coaching talents. The 46-year-old, who replaced Italian Gino Lettieri, is seen as a perfect coach to continue the club's philosophy of combining experienced players with young talent for long-term success. The Kirins finished in sixth place last season, having had 45 points from 30 matches, 25 behind Buriram United. Meanwhile, Port have appointed Photipong Lamsam as their new president. Photipong is the father of the president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) and former Port chairwoman, Nualphan Lamsam.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
JDT faces tough ACL Elite draw with top Asian clubs in 2025
JOHOR DARUL TA'ZIM (JDT) will face a stern test in the 2025/26 Asian Football Confederation Champions League Elite (ACL Elite). The Malaysian champions were drawn against Chinese Super League winners Shanghai Port FC and Shanghai Shenhua FC. Japan's titleholders Vissel Kobe and Machida Zelvia will also visit the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri. Shanghai Port are the current Chinese champions, while Vissel Kobe claimed Japan's top-tier league last season. For away matches, JDT will travel to Thailand to face Thai League winners Buriram United. The Southern Tigers will then head to Australia to take on Melbourne City FC. Further fixtures include clashes with Japan's Sanfrecce Hiroshima and China's Chengdu Rongcheng FC. JDT avoids South Korean sides Gangwon FC, Ulsan HD, and FC Seoul in this edition. Last season, JDT's campaign ended in the round of 16 after a 1-0 aggregate loss to Buriram United. The 2025/26 ACL Elite will run from September 15 to April 25 next year. Teams are split into West and East zones, with each side playing eight matches (four home, four away). Defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC headline the West zone alongside Al Hilal and Al Ittihad. The top eight teams from each zone advance to the knockout stage in March 2026. The final stages will be held in Saudi Arabia under a centralised format in April. - Bernama
Barnama
4 days ago
- Sport
- Barnama
Challenging Path Awaits JDT In ACL Elite League Stage
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Eleven-time consecutive Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) have been handed a challenging draw for the 2025/26 Asian Football Confederation Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) which includes some of the top clubs from East and Southeast Asia. At the league stage draw held here today, JDT will host Chinese Super League champions Shanghai Port FC and Shanghai Shenhua FC of China, as well as Japan's Vissel Kobe and Machida Zelvia at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri. Shanghai Port are the reigning Chinese Super League champions while Vissel Kobe hold the title. bootstrap slideshow For their away fixtures, the Southern Tigers under Xisco Munoz will travel to Thailand to face Thai League holders Buriram United followed by to Australia against Melbourne City FC before taking on Japan's Sanfrecce Hiroshima and China's Chengdu Rongcheng FC. However, JDT will avoid facing three South Korean clubs namely Gangwon FC, Ulsan HD and FC Seoul in this season's campaign. For the record, JDT's campaign last season ended in the round of 16 after losing to Buriram United 0-1 on aggregate. The 2025/26 ACL Elite is scheduled to take place from Sept 15 to April 25 next year. Under the tournament format, the teams are divided into two leagues, the West zone and East zone with each side in their respective league set to face eight different opponents, comprising four home matches and four away fixtures. The West zone features defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC of Saudi Arabia, together with Al Sadd SC, Shabab Al Ahli, Tractor FC, PFC Nasaf, Al Shorta, Al Duhail SC, Sharjah FC, Al Hilal SFC, Al Gharafa SC, Al Wahda FC and Al Ittihad Club.
The Star
30-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Cools hopes he can shape Malaysian football's future with exploits in J.League
Dion Cools during training session with Buriram United. - Photo by Buriram United PETALING JAYA: For Dion Cools, a move to Japan's prestigious is not just a bold step in his professional career. It's also a message to the entire Malaysian football ecosystem - dream bigger, go further. The national rightback recently signed with Cerezo Osaka, making history as the first Malaysian to play in the One. But to him, the milestone extends beyond personal achievement. "Being the first Malaysian in the isn't just a personal milestone. It puts Malaysian football on the map in a serious way," said the 29-year-old. "I want young players back home to see that it's possible to break through, to compete, and to thrive. We're not just telling a story - we're building the future of football, both here and back home." Cools, who has previously played in Belgium, Thailand and Denmark, described the environment at Cerezo as world-class where discipline and attention to detail are second nature. "It's been an incredible journey so far. The environment is structured and focused. Everything from training to match prep is designed to help players improve every single day. It sharpens you, both mentally and physically." Cools has so far played two matches with Cerezo and also one in the Emperor's Cup. While his focus remains on performing in Japan, Cools is also deeply committed to using this platform to uplift the next generation in Malaysia, especially at the grassroots level. "Grassroots football is where everything starts. I've seen the impact it can have, especially through Adidas' past initiatives like the Adidas Malaysia Girls Football Program and the recent grassroots event with Manchester United," said Cools, who is sponsored by Adidas. "Those events brought international and local players together to coach and inspire young talents. The energy on the ground was powerful. "Moments like that matter. They give kids belief and show that the dream is real. If my journey can help send that message, I'm all in."
Daily Express
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Express
Sabah FC bounce back with win
AFTER the recent thrashing by Buriram United of Thailand in the Asian Charity Shield played in Thailand early this month, Sabah FC are back on winning note in their pre-season friendly with a 3-1 win over DPMM from Brunei at Liks Stadium last Saturday. It was also their third warm-up match after the 4-0 win over another Brunei club side Kasuka FC before the tie with Buriram United. Advertisement The goals on Saturday were scored by Daniel Ting with two and one from Miguel Cifuentes, while the forwards continued to fire blank. Alto Linos has once again said after the game that there are still flaws in their game and finishing must be a big concern for him with the season set to start at the end of August.
