Football Club determined to prove they are still the team to beat

It will be a hard act to follow but CBRE Hong Kong Football Club are going for a clean sweep again so they can relive the glory moments once more.

'We didn't feel as if we won anything last season as the games were spread out so much. We want to do it again to make sure we really are champions,' says Peter McKee, the new captain and scrumhalf.

McKee, who enjoyed his debut last season, has quickly slotted into the role of a leader of men and perfect provider, resulting in him being handed the responsibility by coach Quinton Wrigley. Terrific backrower Nathan Johnson has been appointed as McKee's deputy.

Football Club will not have it easy trying to repeat the double - change that to treble, as there is an additional Knockout Cup which kick-starts the season today. McKee and Johnson will also face a tough time trying to emulate the think-tank of Nigel D'Acre and Tom Cameron, the co-captains from last season who have both stepped aside.

Centre D'Acre, who also captained the Hong Kong sevens team, has retired, while hooker Cameron will be plying his trade in the lower divisions with the Sequins.

'We will miss both of them badly. TC [Cameron] was a great leader in the pack, while Strawbs [D'Acre] was a huge influence in the backs,' McKee said. 'But there is a great feeling of optimism in the club.

'Every team will be gunning for us and with the league being stronger than last year, it is going to be hard.'