Neil Etheridge, Former Premier League star is poised to make history in a new chapter of ASEAN football as the group stage of the Shopee Cup kicks off on August 21.
Etheridge, who became the first player from the ASEAN region to play in the Premier League, made headlines with Cardiff City during their promotion back to the Premier League in August 2018, notably saving penalties in his first two appearances.
Now, the 34-year-old Philippine goalkeeper is set to compete in one of ASEAN’s top club competitions after signing a two-year deal with Buriram United, the reigning Thai League champions. Etheridge expressed his excitement about the Shopee Cup, stating,
“I think it’s going to be fantastic. It’s a new competition, it’s very exciting to be a part of.” Etheridge said.
“I think because it’s new and looking at the teams that are going to be there, it’s going to be professionally managed. And the level of competition will be very high.”
Buriram United, one of the strongest teams in the ASEAN region, has won three consecutive Thai League titles and regularly competes in the group stages of the AFC Champions League. In the Shopee Cup, they have been drawn into Group B, where they will face Vietnam’s Cong An Hanoi in their opening match on August 22.
The group also includes tough opponents like Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur City, Indonesia’s Borneo, the Philippines’ champions Kaya-Iloilo, and Singapore’s Lion City Sailors, with matches being played in a home-and-away format.
Etheridge sees the increased fixture list as a positive development, likening it to the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, in which he also participated.
“The chairman [Newin Chidchob] and all the players are looking forward to this competition. It adds a number of games to the schedule and a lot of travel. But all the players understand and are very ready. We will give it our all,” he said.
The Shopee Cup promises to be a fiercely contested tournament, and Etheridge, along with his Buriram United teammates, is ready to embrace the challenge.
Credit Photo : BRUTD
