Japanese star Keisuke Honda named new Cambodia coach

World
Europe

Japanese midfielder Keisuke Honda has been appointed as the new head coach of the Cambodia national football team, the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) announced on Sunday.

The 32-year-old just signed for A-League side Melbourne Victory on Aug. 6 and it remains to be seen how he will split his time between Australian and Cambodian assignments.

Honda unveiled as the new head coach (general manager) of Cambodia national football team on Sunday. / The Football Federation of Cambodia

Honda built his reputation at Nagoya Grampus in the J-League before securing a move to Europe with VVV-Venlo in the Eredivisie.

Five seasons in CSKA Moscow followed before he joined his dream club AC Milan at the beginning of 2014. Then came a transfer from San Siro to Pachua in Mexico, where he scored 10 goals in 29 appearances.

Last month, Honda confirmed he will no longer play international football following Japan's elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Belgium.

Being used as an impact substitute, he came off the bench in the last-16 clash with Roberto Martinez's side, but was unable to prevent his side from slipping to an agonizing 3-2 loss.

Keisuke Honda (second from left) runs on the pitch as substitute during the TIM Cup football match between Juventus and AC Milan. /VCG Photo

Honda is no stranger to Cambodian football. According to local media, the Japanese star became the owner of Siem Reap Angkor FC in 2016, during which he visited the parliament and even met with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen.

He also opened a football academy for Cambodian kids in the capital city of Phnom Penh.