The SAR have reverted to fielding more local Chinese players, though the squad is still made up mostly of foreigners as they bid for a hat-trick of titles in the first leg of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Cup today.
The Hong Kong FA has came under fire in recent years for fielding increasing numbers of foreign players for the annual tournament, which had traditionally been played between the best Chinese players from both sides.
Hong Kong lifted the trophy for the first time in six years two years ago thanks to a well-blended local and foreign side. The number of Chinese players was further reduced to two last year when the SAR defended their title and won 1-0 at home.
'We decided that we should give local Chinese more of a chance this year,' said Hong Kong coach Tsang Wai-chung ahead of the clash at Hong Kong Stadium.
More than half the 24-strong squad are Chinese although only four of them - South China forward Au Wai-lun, defender Yau Kin-wai, goalkeeper Chan Ka-ki and Happy Valley playmaker Cheung Sai-ho - are expected to make the starting lineup.
Sun Hei's Gary McKeown, who is racing against time to recover from a slight hamstring injury, welcomed the move to include more local players.
'We have some quality players here and some of them are very quick. The majority of Chinese players are from South China and Happy Valley and if you look at the success of South China so far this season, you know we'll be in for a good match,' he said. South China are unbeaten in the First Division and in the League Cup.
