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Eastern coach Chan Yuen-ting is congratulated by outgoing coach Yeung Ching-kwong during their 6-1 victory over Yuen Long. Photos: Chan Kin-wa

History-maker Chan Yuen-ting wins opener 6-1 as she becomes first woman coach in Hong Kong Premier League

Hong Kong's first female boss of the Hong Kong Premier League watches her side dismantle Yuen Long

Eastern welcomed new coach Chan Yuen-ting with the best possible gift – a 6-1 drubbing of Yuen Long in the BOCG Life Premier League last night.

A hat-trick from striker Giovane da Silva, along with Andrew Barisic’s brace and a strike from Diego Moreira crushed the minnows and saw Eastern remain on top of the table with 16 points.

I feel proud of the players for their hard work and the unity they showed during the game
Chan Yuen-ting

They lead South China by one point despite the Caroliners’ 4-0 win over Dreams Metro Gallery in another match at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground.

Chan broke into tears after watching her side roar to their biggest win this season under the joint guidance of herself and coach Yeung Ching-kwong, for whom this was his last match.

“I feel proud of the players for their hard work and the unity they showed during the game,” said Chan, who had been the club’s assistant coach until last week’s announcement.

“This big win has also given me a lot of confidence as I take over at the club.

“Of course, I also feel sad because Yeung is departing as he was the one who brought me to Eastern in the first place and has given me and my work a lot of support so far.

Chan Yuen-ting and her team celebrate their 6-1 mauling of Yuen Long.

“It may take a little while for me to settle down and get used to working on my own and there will be huge pressure that comes with working with a top club, but I am confident of overcoming the pressure and bringing good results.”

The announcement last week of 27-year-old Chan’s appointment as the first-ever female to coach of a local top-tier professional team came as a major surprise and emanated from Yeung’s decision to join China League One club Meizhou Wuhua as an assistant coach and interpreter to their coach, a post he takes up this week.

Chan said she was happy with her team’s progress.

“This is going to be a brand new experience in my career and I am happy to have the support of the players and the management,” she said.

“We will have to play rivals South China in the Senior Shield soon before meeting them again in the league next month. I am ready for the challenge.”

Yeung played down his departure, saying his successor would be able to lead the club.

“Eastern have beenon the right track this season and the departure of a single person will not have any big impact. I believe Chan is the ideal candidate to take up the reins,” said Yeung.

 

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