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SCMP Reporter

INSTANT-DICT'S new defender Chan Ping-on is ready to bloom in his favourite role as sweeper next season.

  Chan, 35, whose nickname is 'Chow Pei' meaning wrinkles, said: 'It was not easy to leave South China as I was with them for nine seasons.

  'Nine seasons is a long time to spend with one team. I shall miss my teammates as well as some of the team officials and fans.'   Chan operated as a sweeper for the Caroliners but lost the role when he injured his left arm in a game against Instant-Dict at the Hong Kong Stadium in 1993.

  He was regarded as one of the best sweepers in the territory and played there with distinction for the national team.

  But when he returned from injury, the Caroliners played him in other positions - including midfield, right-back and left-back.

  'I was even chosen as the Footballer of the Year for the 1991-92 season. But all of a sudden I lost my position the following season.

  'It's a pity that the club didn't give me the chance to return as sweeper when the players who replaced me in that role were either injured or suspended,' said Chan.

  Fortunately, the support of his fellow teammates and some of the team officials made Chan stay.

  'Without them, I might have quit football altogether.' added Chan, who is studying for the Asian Football Confederation Class C coaching licence course at the Hong Kong Sports Institute.

  His fellow classmates include Rangers right-winger Lai Wing-cheong and Frankwell goalkeeper Yam Wai-hung.

  'But despite some bad memories, South China have brought me many good things, like friendship and fame,' said Chan.

  But South China's decision to release Chan nearly ended the former national player's career prematurely.

  'As I had the feeling for quite some time that South China didn't want me next season, I decided to make plans for my future. But I think it's a waste if I quit when I can still play.

  'I decided to sign with Instant-Dict two weeks ago because I wanted to wait for the official decision from South China who eventually let me down.'   Instant-Dict, who have been registered as Double Flower with the Hong Kong Football Association for the past five seasons, is familiar territory to Chan as he used to play for the defunct club in the season before he joined the Caroliners.

  'Left-winger Lam Hing-lun was my teammate at Double Flower. We worked very well together in that season and we were offered good contracts for the next season,' said Chan.

   'I hope we can do well again in the coming season with Instant-Dict.'   Instant-Dict's assistant coach Chan Fat-chi and right-back Cheung Chi-tak are also former national teammates of Chan.

  'I don't mind playing in positions other than sweeper and I will prove my worth to everyone whenever I have the chance.

  'I don't mind sitting on the bench either - as long as the club's decision is supported by all of us.' 



Dickies' sweeper role suits newcomer Chan