Their annual income is a tiny fraction of what Michael Essien or Emmanuel Adebayor might earn in a week in the English Premier League. Nevertheless, Hong Kong clubs are attracting a growing community of African soccer players eager to flee conflict and poverty in their home countries.
'The majority [of young men in Africa] want to play football. The pay is good. Everyone wants to earn money and have a big salary ... and all players want to travel, to get experience and earn more,' says Festus Baise, a 27-year-old Nigerian with Hong Kong First Division club Citizen.
When Cameroon beat holders Argentina 1-0 in the opening game of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, it raised hopes of Africa's emergence as a force in soccer. Instead, worsening civil unrest and dire economic straits led to an exodus of players seeking a better life abroad. While a few top Africans recruited by elite European clubs earn big money, most struggle for a living in minor leagues.
Baise tried his luck in Southeast Asia - Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand - before settling in Hong Kong five years ago.
'I'm working and playing. I'm happy. I hope I can stay after [living] so many years here,' says Baise, who has a Hong Kong girlfriend.
'The security is good. Hong Kong is more protected. There are no countries fighting countries. There is no fighting on the streets, robbery or things like that. Some places have serious [car] accidents everyday, but not Hong Kong.'