It was a bitter lesson, but one that Kitchee boss Ken Ng Kin hopes his side learned well. Last season, Kitchee finished on the same number of points as South China in the league, but were pipped to the title because the Caroliners had a better head-to-head record. South China had won the first match 2-0, while the second match, played late in the season with the championship at stake, ended in a 1-1 draw in front of a capacity crowd at Mong Kok Stadium. Now, Kitchee want revenge when they meet their nemesis today in the season-opener at Hong Kong Stadium. 'This is a big match for both sides after last season's tug-of-war for the title,' said Ng. 'If we want to win the title, then this is a match we have to win. It will be the perfect start to the season and will boost our confidence for the long road ahead. 'I have no idea how strong South China will be this season, but we must improve on our performance from last year if we are going to beat them.' Kitchee will be banking on new signing Goran Stankovski - the striker who has been capped nine times by Macedonia and was with the country's top club side, Rabotnieki, before arriving in Hong Kong last week. Kitchee have also bolstered their midfield, signing Louis Movguele Ayock and Hong Kong international Lo Kwan-yee from Rangers. South China, though, have to be the favourites to win this afternoon. They have the biggest budget of all the 10 First Division clubs - HK$15 million - and in this town, money talks. Team convener Steven Lo Kit-shing said: 'This is an important game and is taking place right next to our headquarters. We expect our fans to turn out in force and we don't want to let them down.' Towering Detinho will be the lone striker up front for the Caroliners today and he will be supported by five midfield players including three mainlanders - Li Haiqiang, Bei He and new signing Fan Weijun.
