Kwoon Chung Southern lift Sapling Cup – then immediately announce change of boss
- Club’s chairman says he will bring in new head coach despite Southern winning their first top-tier trophy under incumbent Ricky Cheng
- Stefan Pereira savours moment of redemption after his goals fire Southern to victory over Lee Man two weeks after they threw away third place in league
He had already been mobbed and thrown into the air by his ecstatic players following the final whistle at Mong Kok Stadium, but it emerged that it was partly to say farewell after the club’s decision to bring in a new boss, even before it bagged its long-coveted first silverware of note.
His chairman Chan Man-chun revealed that discussions before the final had determined Cheng would move into another post. He said Cheng was not being demoted and was happy with the reshuffle.
“There will be some new faces to fill gaps where we had problems on the field, and there will also be changes in the coaching capacity,” Chan said.
“We are very pleased with the work of Ricky, who has done a very good job, but we think it’s time to make some changes. We will disclose the new head coach in due course.”
Former R&F coach Yeung Ching-Kwong is understood to be in the frame to take over, while it is believed that Cheng intends to spend more time doing television commentary.
Stefan Pereira, meanwhile, was treasuring a degree of redemption after his starring performance helped Southern end their cup curse.
It was Southern’s fourth knockout final since their promotion to the top tier in 2012, and they had lost the previous three. Thanks to Pereira’s double to see off Lee Man 2-0, they were nearly men no longer.
It also pocketed him HK$10,000 (US$1,280) after he was named player of the match, but the 35-year-old forward was just relieved to salvage something from the season after his side were beaten to third place in the league in the last round of matches.
“It’s a very special moment, just amazing,” Pereira said. “The management have done so much this season and they deserve something for it. We are so happy to bring them this.
“Of course we could have done better, especially when we lost the last three league games. But at least we have won something now. It’s an amazing ending.”
Lee Man head coach Tsang Chiu-tat said he was happy with his team’s approach until they conceded the first goal.
“We took control of the game and created a number of chances in the first half but just lacked the finishing touch,” he said. “Of course there’s disappointment after losing two important matches in a row that cost us the league title and now the Sapling Cup. But it’s something we can learn from for next season.”
Southern goalkeeper Ng Wai-him was also keen to continue onwards and upwards after being voted the tournament’s best under-22 player.
“Winning the cup and the personal award is just the beginning – it can push me to work harder,” he said. “I will stay with Southern for next season and help them to get more results like this.”
