The Lobstermen fell to a 2-1 defeat to FC Yala at the Surakul Stadium in Phuket Town as the highly anticipated new campaign under new ownership got underway last Sunday (Sept 15).
However, their trip to PT Satun today will be no easy task. Despite drawing their opening encounter 0-0 with Ranong United last weekend, Satun finished fourth last season and will be a formidable opponent. It will be especially interesting to see the condition of their 5,000-seater Satun PAO Stadium after the recent storms that hammered the area.
Coached by Adun Muensamaan, PT Satun are affectionaly known by their nickname of ‘The Ultimate Exorcists’, although one feels there was a genuinely missed opportunity to call them the ‘Stoon Army’ in respectful reference to English Premier League giants Newcastle United, otherwise known as ‘The Toon Army.’ For those wondering why, Satun is correctly pronounced as ‘stoon.’
About Satun
Satun, one of Thailand’s southernmost provinces, borders Malaysia and is around a six-and-a-half-hour drive from Phuket.. The provincial capital, Satun town, is where the team is based. It is not a major tourist spot but serves as a stopover for those crossing the border or heading to Langkawi.
Satun has a population of approximately 21,000, mostly Muslim Thai who also speak Malay. The area has largely avoided the unrest seen in neighboring Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat (whose four teams PAFC still have to visit.
PAFC team update:
It is hoped that key defender ‘Mark’ Runtsak will return for the clash. If he does, his addition will significantly bolster the defense against a sharp Satun attack.
‘Bebe’ Coulibaly’s strong second-half performance against FC Yala last Sunday may earn him a starting spot.
Outlook:
PAFC aims to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat and secure an away win to kickstart their season and ‘exorcise’ any lingering demons. Kick-off is 4pm.