Inspired Wild Boars players chase AFC Asian Cup dream
7th January 2019
Abu Dhabi: The Wild Boars Football Academy, whose brave rescue from a flooded cave in Thailand inspired the world, continued their remarkable fairy-tale after three players and their assistant coach were presented with a rare opportunity to witness their Thai heroes open their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 campaign against India on Sunday.
AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who presented Chanin Viboonrungruang, Adul Samon and Ponchai Khamluang along with assistant coach Ekapol Chanthawong with UAE 2019 mementos during the match, said: “The AFC is very pleased to welcome the players from Wild Boars Academy to the AFC Asian Cup.
“Their journey here reinforces the power of football to inspire hope and their presence in the UAE is another fine example of how Asia’s most prestigious tournament is making dreams come true for millions of fans across the Continent.”
Speaking on behalf of his team who was understandably thrilled by the occasion, Coach Ekapol said: “To see our heroes ‘live’ in the biggest competition in Asia is something we will never forget. This is the first time we have come this close to the players and this is also the first time that we are watching a Thai match away from home.
“We are very grateful to the AFC for this experience and to be able to support our role models in the most important tournament in Asia is a great feeling,” added Ekapol.
When asked to pick a favourite from the War Elephants' 23-strong squad, the quartet were unanimous in singling out Chanathip Songkrasin as their role model and were presented with a dream come true moment when they met with the Consadole Sapporo star during the War Elephants’ final training session prior to Sunday’s match.
Wild Boars FC at AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019
The Thai sensation who is the first Thai player to feature in the J. League in its current format, said: “Their story is well known all over the world, not just in Thailand. It is great to have their support and to exchange words of encouragement.
“I am very honoured that these boys look up to me, but at the same time, their bravery, their perseverance, they are an inspiration for us as well. It is a pleasure to meet these boys and I hope I will be able to repay the faith that the boys and the Thai people have in me by giving everything on the pitch.”
For the four players, the once-in-a-lifetime experience in the UAE could spark a journey to emulate their idols to represent their nation on the Continent’s ultimate stage, particularly for 14-year-old Adul who harbours a lifelong dream to don the Thai jersey one day.
“Being here, seeing the Thai players in action has been one of the most memorable moments and it has motivated me to work harder in training.
“I want to follow in the footsteps of Chanatip to represent Thailand and who knows, one of us could be playing in this competition one day in the near future.”
Source: the-afc.com