HK youngsters on a mission

Hong Kong's Olympic team believe they have a point to prove when they face South Korea in the first leg of their second round qualifier for Athens 2004 at the Hong Kong Stadium this afternoon.

Captain and goalkeeper Goldbert Ko Chi-chui said the squad was determined to prove the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) was wrong to bring in the stars from mainland club Dalian Shide to face Real Madrid in August, rather than let some of the under-23 team gain experience against some of the world's best players.

'We were upset. It was a disappointment,' explained Ko. 'It was good for the fans but not for us. It was a golden opportunity. For the long term it wasn't good for Hong Kong football. It's difficult for young players to get international experience. There aren't that many games.

'All of us lack knowledge of international games, that's why we didn't play well against Sri Lanka. Experience is more than just skill and physique. There are a lot of things that happen on the pitch that you have to learn about.'

The Hong Kong squad, dominated by Ko's Buler Rangers teammates, is similar to the group that impressed so much at last year's Asian Games. The skipper said today's match was a chance to prove that some can step up into the senior side. 'We want to show the HKFA we're good enough to play in the national team,' the 22-year-old said. 'We've got the Asian Cup qualifying and the EAFF Championship this year, all against stronger teams. This game with South Korea is a chance for us to show our ability.

'They're the best team in Asia and it's a good chance to learn because they're physical and skilful. We will see how football is played at a higher level, because of course they're a better standard than Hong Kong.'