Southern promise to play with flair as they return to Hong Kong Premier League
District side aim to win over fans with stylish play, says chairman
Kwoon Chung Southern have returned to the top flight of Hong Kong soccer aiming to win the respect of fellow clubs and the hearts of fans.
Chairman Chan Man-chun said the priority for the side, with a budget of HK$7 million, would be to play attractive soccer regardless of opponents.
“We left a good impression when we were in the First Division the season before as we always performed with a never-say-die attitude and this will hopefully be our trademark again,” he said.
“At Southern, results will not be the most important part as long as the players can show their best in each match and win the heart of the fans. This is our biggest target.”
Southern finished fourth in the top flight in 2013-14, behind big three Kitchee, Pegasus and South China. But they refused to join the inaugural Premier League citing financial problems.
They won promotion from the first division by finishing third as second-placed Football Club could not go up because their players are amateur.
We left a good impression when we were in the First Division the season before as we always performed with a never-say-die attitude and this will hopefully be our trademark again
“It is always difficult to secure sufficient financial backing for a district club but we are happy to have found a title sponsor, not only for the coming season, but for the next two seasons with an option of extending the support for two more years, making it a possible five-year deal,” said Chan.
“The support accounts for more than HK$5 million a year and coupled with the subvention from the government for district clubs, we are able to assemble a team with certain quality, and hopefully we can mount challenges to the so-called big four.”
Former Hong Kong international Ricky Cheng Siu-chung was appointed coach after leaving his post as the assistant coach of champions Kitchee.
The newly promoted side have also secured a number of Spanish players including striker Jonathan Carril, midfielder Jose Diaz and centre-half Diego Garrido; two Brazilians, Wellingsson de Souza and Maronesi Tomas completing the list of foreign players.
Carril and Diaz played for Southern when they were in the First Division while Tomas and De Souza join from Wong Tai Sin and Yuen Long respectively. Only Garrido, who will form a partnership with Tomas in central defence, is a newcomer.
Garrido, who played for the Segunda B side La Roda in Spain before coming to Hong Kong, said he wanted to try professional soccer in the Far East after knowing a number of players who play here including Kitchee marksman Juan Belencoso.
Southern have set up a deal for players allowing them to work for the sponsor’s company, which provides bus and coach services in Hong Kong, to gain working experience in preparation for life after sport.
Players will be required to work in the morning until 1pm under the scheme before they join the team training which usually takes place in the afternoon.
One of the three players who has joined the scheme, goalkeeper Tse Tak-him said he treasured the opportunity. “We all have to start a new career after our playing days are over,” said the 30-year-old, who works as a marketing executive in the company.
“I am glad to have the opportunity of learning something new which can help me find another career after sports but at the same time would not affect my soccer career.”
