Mahama Awal moves closer to his dream to represent Hong Kong after sealing Premier League return with Southern
- The Cameroon-born winger is one of 12 new faces at the club ahead of new top-flight season, joining from First Division side North District
- Awal is in the process of applying for a Hong Kong passport, with Southern chairman Chan Man-chun backing him to earn international call-up
Forward Mahama Awal hopes his return to the Premier League with Kwoon Chung Southern can boost his dream of playing for Hong Kong at international level.
The 31-year-old was one of 12 new faces as Southern officially kicked off their preparations for the new season at Aberdeen Sports Ground on Monday.
“It’s always my dream of representing Hong Kong and with the 2023 Asian Cup finals coming soon, I hope it can come true,” said Awal, who lined up for First Division side North District last season after playing for heavyweights South China and Pegasus.
“Of course, I have to work hard to help my new club and avoid getting injured so I can impress the Hong Kong coach. But returning to top-tier football is definitely the first step. It’s an exciting opportunity that I can’t afford to lose.”
The Cameroon-born winger, who joined South China from China League One club Sunray Cave of Guangdong in 2015, has already fulfilled the seven-year residence requirement to obtain his permanent Hong Kong identity card.
He is now in the process of applying for a Hong Kong passport, which is a prerequisite for playing at international level.