Thailand’s newly appointed-captain Chalermpong Kerdkaew is confident that his side will get off to a winning start when they host Timor Leste in the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup on Friday.

The two-time defending champions face the Group B underdogs in Bangkok hoping to claim the first three points of what they hope will be another triumphant campaign.

“The first game of the tournament is always very important,” said Chalermpong. “But we are not thinking about whether or not we are playing the strongest or weakest opponent. We are just focusing game by game.

“However, if we keep our discipline and play to our ability, we are very confident that we will win the three points.”

Chalermpong knows that there is added pressure on the home side as other teams in the region try to take their title. And he is not underestimating the challenge that a young Timor Leste side will pose for the War Elephants. 

“As reigning champions, we are under pressure to defend the title and Timor Leste will fight all the way,” said Chalermpong. “They have a lot of young players, so they will have a lot of energy and they will certainly push us hard.”

Chalermpong won his first cap for his country last year when he was 30 years old. Now, as a stalwart of Rajevac’s side, the centre-back will captain his country for the first time at the age of 32.

He admits that while he is proud to take on the role, he will make sure he adapts his approach to reflect his new responsibilities.

“It is an honour for me and my family to become the captain of the Thai national team,” said Chalermpong. “This will be my first game as captain so I have to change certain things in my role on the pitch, particularly in the way in which I communicate with my colleagues.”