Sisaket City FC is a semi-professional football club from the city of the same name in Thailand’s Isan region. The origins of the club can be traced back to 2020 when it was set up with an academy to the south of the city.
In October 2021, manager Pakorn Samipak signed an agreement with Sisaket Rajabhat University to promote and develop youth players with the aim that they could become professional players.
In 2022 the club entered the Thailand Amateur League, finishing in second place in Northeast Southern Zone Group F, behind Rasisalai United, who would eventually be promoted to Thai League 3 under coach Jeerawat Thonglue
The club was admitted entrance to the Thai FA Cup in the 2022-23 season, going out in the first round, 4-1 to Chaingmai FC in a match that was played at Sisaket SAT Stadium. Later that season, City entered the Northeast region of the Thailand Semi-Pro League.
Thonglue led the side to a third-place finish with home games being played at the Rajabhat University Stadium. Tatchanon Chindapuk took charge of the team for their Semi-Pro league campaign of 2023-24.
Sisaket City FC will play in the Thailand Semi-Pro League in the 2023-24 season.
My visit
Sisaket City 4 Vongchavalitkul University 0 (Sunday 3rd March 2024) Thailand Semi-Pro League Northeast (att: 300)
With the Thai League 3 regular season completed seven days ago, with a rest week before the playoffs begin, it was time to check to a new ground for me and my mate John and to see what the odds were on Sisaket getting a third locally based professional club in the national set up.
The semi-pro league in its second full season is more or less a fourth division of old, with clubs entering it needing to hold a required license. The winners of the six regional divisions are promoted to T3.
We came away extremely impressed with the home side after they put game opponents to the sword in the searing heat at Rajabhat University Stadium. It was a very competent performance with plenty of pace, clever moves, and resolute defence. If they weren’t to win promotion, then the winners of the mini league will be some team.
There was a delay for a clash of heads in the early stages. City skipper Naraphong Chaudpong perhaps foolishly continued but was withdrawn a little time later, with an ambulance taking him away.
By then his team had taken the lead with a smart finish from Baphit Chooklin who proved to be the outstanding act all afternoon. The forward had previously been released by both T3 sides in town, but his strength, skill, touch, and hold up play were top notch.
The medics were again busy shortly after, as visiting keeper Phumin Prokkaew was helped off with what looked like a damaged ankle. This was one of several lengthy delays as the game struggled to get going properly.
A fine break just past the half hour mark saw Nontavat Bamrungtham put in Teerawat Anuyan who dinked delightfully over diving sub goalie Watchara Nasompak. One suspects that the stopper should concentrate on his studies rather than a career in the game on this showing.
As it was a sweltering hot afternoon, it was a blow not having any refreshments available, something to consider in future. The players took breaks for drinks and with the injuries it meant a late finish.
Not that it seemed to bother the enthusiastic crowd who enjoyed free admission at the impressive arena. We are blessed with having three very good football venues in Sisaket, with a fourth smaller ground hosting the women’s team.
Five minutes after the interval Apisit Chanangam sealed the victory with a free kick from wide on the left that everyone stood and watched it float in off the back post, including young Watchara. Vongchavalitkul, from Nakhon Ratchasima, getting on for five hours away, were game until the end, with sometimes their frustration getting the better of them.
Atsarapong Lertkrathok picked up two yellows and went for an early shower. The first of which was a borderline assault. Thanaphon Srinak playing up front for the away side in a rather fethching shade the same as a Cadbury chocolate wrapper was the pick of the visitors.
The excellent Bhapit had the last say in the final minute of additional time with a fine low shot from outside the box. That was just after John had commented that the keeper seemed to be alright as long as he didn’t have to deal with crosses.
It was a decent game of football, again in the excellent company of my mate John, who had his wife and daughter with him. The ladies commented that they enjoyed it because there were no foreign players.
We had met at the reliable and enjoyable Hong Kong Garden for food and beverages with mine host Peter and a friendly Aussie customer adding to the chat. Post match I was kindly deposited at Leo’s, a bistro bar with an amazing collection of Belgian bottled beers, wines, and several European taps as well as local favourites.
My couple of pints of Guinness went down very well before my Grab cab arrived to take my home to watch the conclusion of the excellent Buriram United v Bangkok United game with fine food and a nightcap beer. Another wonderful afternoon.
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