Sisaket City FC is a semi-professional football club from the city of the same name in Thailand’s Isan region. The origins of the club can be traced back to 2020 when it was set up with an academy to the south of the city.
In October 2021, manager Pakorn Samipak signed an agreement with Sisaket Rajabhat University to promote and develop youth players with the aim that they could become professional players.
In 2022 the club entered the Thailand Amateur League, finishing in second place in Northeast Southern Zone Group F, behind Rasisalai United, who would eventually be promoted to Thai League 3 under coach Jeerawat Thonglue
The club was admitted entrance to the Thai FA Cup in the 2022-23 season, going out in the first round, 4-1 to Chaingmai FC in a match that was played at Sisaket SAT Stadium. Later that season, City entered the Northeast region of the Thailand Semi-Pro League.
Thonglue led the side to a third-place finish with home games being played at the Rajabhat University Stadium. Tatchanon Chindapuk took charge of the team for their Semi-Pro league campaign of 2023-24, taking the side to a third place finish.
Sisaket City FC will play in the Thailand Semi-Pro League in the 2024-25 season.
My visits
Sisaket City 4 Vongchavalitkul University 0 (Sunday 3rd March 2024) Thailand Semipro League Northeast (att: 300)
With the Thai League 3 regular season completed seven days ago, with a rest week before the playoffs begin, it was time to check to a new ground for me and my mate John and to see what the odds were on Sisaket getting a third locally based professional club in the national set up.
The semi-pro league in its second full season is more or less a fourth division of old, with clubs entering it needing to hold a required license. The winners of the six regional divisions are promoted to T3.
We came away extremely impressed with the home side after they put game opponents to the sword in the searing heat at Rajabhat University Stadium. It was a very competent performance with plenty of pace, clever moves, and resolute defence. If they weren’t to win promotion, then the winners of the mini league will be some team.
There was a delay for a clash of heads in the early stages. City skipper Naraphong Chaudpong perhaps foolishly continued but was withdrawn a little time later, with an ambulance taking him away.
By then his team had taken the lead with a smart finish from Baphit Chooklin who proved to be the outstanding act all afternoon. The forward had previously been released by both T3 sides in town, but his strength, skill, touch, and hold up play were top notch.
The medics were again busy shortly after, as visiting keeper Phumin Prokkaew was helped off with what looked like a damaged ankle. This was one of several lengthy delays as the game struggled to get going properly.
A fine break just past the half hour mark saw Nontavat Bamrungtham put in Teerawat Anuyan who dinked delightfully over diving sub goalie Watchara Nasompak. One suspects that the stopper should concentrate on his studies rather than a career in the game on this showing.
As it was a sweltering hot afternoon, it was a blow not having any refreshments available, something to consider in future. The players took breaks for drinks and with the injuries it meant a late finish.
Not that it seemed to bother the enthusiastic crowd who enjoyed free admission at the impressive arena. We are blessed with having three very good football venues in Sisaket, with a fourth smaller ground hosting the women’s team.
Five minutes after the interval Apisit Chanangam sealed the victory with a free kick from wide on the left that everyone stood and watched it float in off the back post, including young Watchara. Vongchavalitkul, from Nakhon Ratchasima, getting on for five hours away, were game until the end, with sometimes their frustration getting the better of them.
Atsarapong Lertkrathok picked up two yellows and went for an early shower. The first of which was a borderline assault. Thanaphon Srinak playing up front for the away side in a rather fethching shade the same as a Cadbury chocolate wrapper was the pick of the visitors.
The excellent Bhapit had the last say in the final minute of additional time with a fine low shot from outside the box. That was just after John had commented that the keeper seemed to be alright as long as he didn’t have to deal with crosses.
It was a decent game of football, again in the excellent company of my mate John, who had his wife and daughter with him. The ladies commented that they enjoyed it because there were no foreign players.
We had met at the reliable and enjoyable Hong Kong Garden for food and beverages with mine host Peter and a friendly Aussie customer adding to the chat. Post match I was kindly deposited at Leo’s, a bistro bar with an amazing collection of Belgian bottled beers, wines, and several European taps as well as local favourites.
Sisaket City 2 Siwilai FC 1 (Saturday 27th April 2024) Thai Semipro League Northeast (att: 135)
This was the last round of games in the semipro league. A new regime at the Thai FA was suggested might view things differently regarding promotion, but whatever, a most entertaining game to finish off proceedings for these two sides.
The win saw City finish third in the standings. The visitors from Mahasarakham had nothing to play for and ended fifth in the division of nine teams. Yet, both sides went about it in proper fashion and provided a game for like a cup tie with everything at stake in the sweltering temperatures of over 40 degrees, for the 4pm kick off.
Nitipong Ruangsa saw an effort come crashing back off the bar as Siwilai put together a high-quality move. The visitors went ahead when Pongsaton Manonthong was brough down in the box by keeper Thanachot Sukouan after twenty-three minutes. Nitipong stepped up to put the spot kick away.
Teerawat Anuyan went on a fine individual run for the hosts but saw his effort thwarted by Siwilai goalie Rawee Martrin. Teerawat then put in a pinpoint low cross that Nontavat Bamrungtham somehow manged to put over from two years out. Chances continued to go begging up until the half time interval.
The equaliser came eight minutes after the restart. Half time sub Nathakhon Phrommawong quickly discovered that he had the legs on his marker Thanawut Patto after his introduction, and once again skinned his man.
His low cross was finished with style by Teerawat. How Thanawut, a former T3 player at Surin Khongcheemool stayed on the pitch until the end was down to the leniency of referee Surawut Nuanyoi.
It was total dominance from the home side, but then Siwilai found a second gear and began to forge half chances of their own. It was a compelling game. How the players coped I’m not sure, as we were roasting in the stand.
Sending the ballboys to areas with no shade, absolute madness. They tried to shield themselves from the sun using their spare ball. The winner eventually came ten minutes from the end of normal time.
Sub Nathakhon unleashed a thunderbolt from the edge of the box which took a slight nick off Thanawut and had too much power for Rawee to react. Siwilai poured forward and City just about held on, not unlike the style in which big brothers Sisaket United won many of their games in 2023-24.
No refreshments on sale again at the Rajabhat University Stadium. A stall sold home and away shirts for 300 THB (#6.50) and scarves, believe it or not. Glad I took a large bottle of water with me.
My good lady dropped me at Kanthararom station for the customary train ride through to Sisaket, where I enjoyed an excellent locally brewed 5% wheat pale ale, with a strong hint of caramel.
On to Hong Kong Garden for a baguette and beer, with post-match refreshments being taken in the excellent Leo’s bar and restaurant, with my trusted ally. Home via taxi to enjoy snacks, an excellent Port away win on my laptop from the Thai League and then the second half of Man Utd v Burnley. A top day out.