Tempest looking at new career
Dale Tempest is set to retire from full-time soccer next season to devote more time to his work with local brewer San Miguel.
Tempest, five-time local First Division League top scorer, has signed a full-time contract, effective from this summer, with San Miguel as marketing relations manager.
The South China forward said he would be unable to train full-time and could not travel outside the SAR with the club or the Hong Kong team.
'I am prepared to train only one or two days a week,' said the 34-year-old whose contract with the Caroliners expires at the end of June.
'I have spoken to our team director Mr Peter Leung Shou-chi but nothing concerning my future with the side has been decided yet.
'South China are high-profile and demand a lot of attention. If they don't want to extend my contract, I will look for another club who will take me on a part-time basis or I will play in the lower divisions.
'I have been playing soccer for more than 16 years and I don't want to just walk away from it.' Tempest said Hong Kong team coach Sebastiao Araujo would like to keep him if the Brazilian coach remains at the post. 'The coach said it would be fine though I can only train one or two days a week,' he added.
'But I don't think I can travel with the team.' Meanwhile, Araujo has urged his players to take their opportunities when they get them.
'A player's playing career does not last long. They have to take care of themselves both on and off the field and work harder,' said Araujo, who will announce the final 20-man squad for the Dynasty Cup today.
'The coach was sharing his experience with us. Hong Kong football is getting too easy and we need more pressure to improve ourselves. We have to give 100 or even 110 per cent,' said veteran midfielder Tim Bredbury.
Instant-Dict goalkeeper Mick Leonard's ban has been cut from five matches to four.
Leonard was suspended for his sending off and throwing his jersey at the referee on his way out during the league game against Happy Valley on January 22.
