Tuen Mun looking to China again for soccer talent
Successful recruitment policy will continue as team looks to build on their top-three finish
Tuen Mun will again rely heavily on mainland talent as they seek another top-three finish in the top flight of Hong Kong soccer this season.
The district team finished third last season, just behind heavyweights South China and Kitchee and the encouraging result has given the management sufficient confidence to announce an HK$8 million budget for the new season.
We want to stay competitive and since there are not many quality local players available in the transfer market, we have decided to look across the border again
"We have secured some new sponsors and financially we don't face too many problems," said newly appointed team manager Lee Yun-wah. "We want to stay competitive and since there are not many quality local players available in the transfer market, we have decided to look across the border again."
The management was impressed by the performance last season of their mainland players, and will stick to the policy of using mainlanders to fill their foreign-player quota, said Lee.
"We are looking for some experienced players who can offer immediate help. The target will be one striker, one midfielder and one centre back," said Lee. "Since most of our expatriates are from the mainland, it will be easier for the old and new players to blend in."
Despite the departure of midfield powerhouse Li Haiqiang for Eastern, other mainlanders have decided to stay with the club, including Ling Cong, Li Ming, Wei Zhao, Chao Pengfei, Xie Silida and Siu Leong.
Tuen Mun have secured former Democratic Republic of Congo international Zola Kiniambi as their new technical adviser. Kiniambi is an assistant coach with China First Division side Yanbian in Jilin province.
