Former Cambodia international Hok Sochetra is hoping home support can inspire the current generation of players to reach new heights ahead of the big kick off to the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup in early November.

Sochetra appeared in three editions of the tournament during his playing days, but as they were staged in centralised venues, the ex-forward never got the chance to experience the passion of the Cambodian support in the regional tournament.

However, with the modern version of the AFF Suzuki Cup being played on a home and away basis during the group stage, Sochetra believes today's crop of players have been handed an ideal opportunity to showcase their talents at Phnom Penh’s Olympic Stadium.

Cambodia have been drawn alongside Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar and Laos in Group A, and will open their campaign against the Malaysians on November 8 before also hosting Laos 12 days later.

“It will be a great experience for us all and I really hope the new generation appreciate this chance,” said Sochetra, who appeared in the 1996, 2000 and 2002 editions.

“There are thousands of supporters who will fill the stadium for an event like this and [nowadays] wherever the players go, people recognise them as they [the fans] really love football.

“I hope this year, when we host AFF Suzuki Cup matches, there will be at least 20,000-30,000 people in our stadium because everyone is waiting for it.”

Sochetra was part of the inaugural AFF Championship back in 1996 in Singapore, although the competition did not go to plan for Cambodia, who lost all four of their matches to finish bottom of their group.

It was four years later when the then 26-year-old made a name for himself, first scoring in a 3-2 defeat to Malaysia and then netting a brace in a 3-0 victory over Laos in what were the Cambodians’ first ever points in the tournament.

In 2002, he made his third and final appearance, adding further goals to his tally in defeats to Vietnam and Indonesia before Cambodia exited despite claiming a win against the Philippines in their final match.

Cambodia have played in three editions since Sochetra’s last but have yet to advance to the knockout rounds, and the now 44-year-old believes fans must be realistic with their expectations despite the buzz around Phnom Penh after Japan’ Keisuke Honda took over as general manager.

“Nothing can be perfect in football, no one is perfect, and nobody knows before the game who will win,” added Sochetra.

“It is all up to preparation, physical state, motivation and, of course, luck. A combination of this is key to winning.

“I hope our fans can support the team and understand the situation on the field, understand the reality – nothing can be perfect in football.”

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