Japan's Okano signs up for Lunar New Year Cup
Former Japanese international Masayuki Okano was confirmed yesterday to play for the South China/Pegasus select side at the Lunar New Year Cup.
Two more guest players - both Brazilians playing in the Spanish league - were close to joining them, officials said yesterday.
South China convener Steven Lo Kit-sing said he was confident of his composite side's chances when they face a Hong Kong League XI in the opening fixture.
'The League XI are very strong, but we will definitely be the better side with the arrival of our guest players to combine forces with the South China and Pegasus players,' said Lo yesterday.
'I predict a 1-0 win for us.'
The tournament, which takes place at Hong Kong Stadium on January 26 and 29, also features two overseas teams, both reigning champions of their respective leagues - Suwon Bluewings of South Korea and Czech side Sparta Prague.
The two foreign teams will meet in the other match on the opening day, with the two winning sides clashing in the final on the second day and the two losers contesting the third-place play-off.
Lo also predicted the Korean side would beat the Europeans and expected an exciting final.
'Korean players are known for their superb fitness and strong fighting spirit. But we have the home advantage. It is going to be interesting if we meet them,' he said.
Striker Okano played 25 matches for Japan from 1995-1999, including a substitute appearance against Croatia at the 1998 World Cup, and has scored two international goals.
The 35-year-old only made seven appearances for his club Urawa Red Diamonds last season and is considering playing for South China on a long-term basis, according to Lo.
