Kitchee boss hails coach Gombau after 5-0 win over Warriors

Kitchee boss Ken Ng Kin paid a glowing tribute to outgoing coach Josep Gombau after watching his side thrash Warriors of Singapore 5-0 in their final AFC Cup group match.

The result had no bearing on Kitchee's second place in group E, but the manner of victory underlined the influence Gombau has had. The Spaniard will leave for Adelaide United in the A-League at the end of the season.

Jorge Tarres scored a hat-trick, taking his tally to 10 in the competition, while Cheng Siu-wai and Tsang Kam-to were also on target in front of crowd of 1,000 at Mong Kok Stadium yesterday.

"He has introduced a new playing system since his arrival in 2009 which has made Kitchee a very successful team," said Ng.

"Our soccer knowledge has been enriched and because Kitchee have improved so much, the standard of club soccer throughout Hong Kong has also been lifted.

"It's not only success in the first team, Gombau has also instilled a similar playing style in all our feeder teams which has also proved to be highly successful.

"I would say Hong Kong soccer owes him a lot for what he has done over the past four seasons and we want to wish him another successful stint with his new club."