This is the view of team coach Lai Sun-cheung, who has been working with young local players since his retirement from professional football in early 80s. 'I don't care about the final position of the team at the end of the season as most likely we will be relegated,' Lai said.

'I only care how many of my players can be groomed and become successful professionals in the local game.

'Even if they are able to qualify for the Beijing Olympic Games, which will be a very tough task, their eventual target remains the same - to turn themselves into successful football professionals.'

The 08 team were assembled this summer, less than a month before the kick-off of the new season.

Their financial situation is still not clear, but Martin Hong, chairman of the Hong Kong Football Association, has said that he will support the team if no financier is found.

The team consist of players who were born after 1985, many of whom played for the now defunct Xiangxue Pharmaceutical last season.

'When Xiangxue were relegated and disbanded, some promising players such as Li Hang-wui, Leung Kam-fai, Kwok Kin-pong, Cheung Kin-wah, were immediately secured by other teams,' Lai said.

'We therefore have to fill the vacancies with players who are even younger such as Chan Man-fai and Lee Chi-yuk who are 17 or 18, but have good potential.

'Although some people may say these youngsters are not up to the standard of other first division clubs, the aim of assembling such a team is not to compete against other clubs for honours.

'The aim is to give these youngsters more playing opportunities against footballers who are much better than them so that they can make progress and become even better players themselves one day.'