League XI devoid of HK's newcomers

HONG KONG league champions Eastern face a 16-strong Rest of the League squad in next month's traditional season's curtain-raiser, the Aw Hoe Cup, at the Hong Kong Stadium.

The squad was selected without controversy yesterday, although it did not contain the names of any of the new boys who have joined the Hong Kong League.

Selectors have decided to stick to the tried and tested formula by picking established Hong Kong stars instead of the new faces which have graced the territory recently like former Manchester United full-back Mike Duxbury and Golden clubmate Gary Williams.

None of the Latvian players from newly-promoted Frankwell, which includes Latvian national captain Olegs Aleksetenko, was selected for the September 4 encounter.

South China players have dominated selections, claiming a lions' share with five places on the squad. They are goalkeeper Werner Kooistra, defender Yau Kin-wai, midfielder Wu Qunli and David Clarkson and Bosnian striker Anto Grabo.

Sing Tao players are next best with four places namely goalkeeper Harvey Lim, defender Tam Ah-fook, midfielder Tim Bredbury and striker John Moore.

South China's Wong Man-wai and Rangers' Pak Wai-hong have been named as the two coaches for the squad.

Rest of the League XI: Werner Kooistra (South China), Harvey Lim (Sing Tao); Yau Kin-wai (South China), Yan Lik-kin (Rangers), Roddy Manley (Instant-Dict), Tam Ah-fook (Sing Tao), Lee Wai-man (Rangers), Ng Chun-chung (Frankwell); Steve Berry (Instant-Dict), Wu Qunli (South China), Tam Siu-wai (Rangers), David Clarkson (South China), Tim Bredbury (Sing Tao); Anto Grabo (South China), John Moore (Sing Tao), Lee Bullen (Golden). Coaches: Wong Man-wai (South China), Pak Wai-hong (Rangers).