He has signed a two year deal with National Defence Ministry FC and we are delighted that he has taken the next step in his football career. The club provide him a small wage of $30/month, accommodation and three meals. It may not be in the same ball park as what David Beckham gets at LA Galaxy but for Sam Yi its a massive deal and he is delighted that he can train twice a day and focus on making his living from the beautiful game. Sam Yi was one of the quiet ones in Melbourne and I was surprised to hear that out of all the players who went to Melbourne it was him that made it to the next stage. Obviously I underestimated his desire to use football to create a better life for himself.
The Cambodian Premier League is slowly but surely growing in popularity and HFCA hope that more of our players can make real and long lasting changes in their lives by turning professional and playing in the Cambodian Premier League. Sam Yi has shown that through hard work and determination anything is possible. When asked what it meant to him he said "Going to Melbourne and representing my country on a world stage at the Homeless World Cup inspired me to believe. I am so happy to have a contract with National Defence Ministry FC and hope to represent Cambodian at full international level". Click here to check out the Cambodian Premier League.
