A spin-off of South China's decision to use a Chinese-only squad this year is more opportunities for younger players to stamp their mark on the local league scene.
Last week in a League Cup match against the Fire Services team, Kwok Kin-pong, 16, made his debut for the Caroliners.
The teenager with dyed red and blonde hair was thrilled.
'I felt pressure and I was nervous, but I can handle it,' said Kin-pong, who came on as a substitute at half-time.
'I'm very excited to play for South China. This season, because we've no foreign players, I've been given a chance and I'm very happy.'
King-pong showed a few flashes of tricky skills and nearly set up a goal after 24 minutes of the second half. He beat his defender in the box and cut the ball back for another teenager, Cheung Wai-shing, 19, whose shot just went wide of the post.
