Yapp Hung-fai has point to prove after rejoining Eastern Salon
Hong Kong international puts his faith in ambitious club, who groomed his talent as a youngster
Goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai, now one of the highest-paid local players after rejoining Eastern Salon, has a point to prove in the inaugural Hong Kong Premier League.
The Hong Kong international has signed a four-year contract with the ambitious club, who have a budget of more than HK$20 million for the new season, which starts in September.
"I was groomed by Eastern when I was young and now I have the opportunity to play for them again. It's a chance I won't relinquish," said the 24-year-old, who spent four seasons with powerhouses South China before his return in the summer.
I hope my return can help the club relive the glory days when Eastern were the dominant force in domestic soccer in the early 1990s
"Eastern are going to be serious challengers for all domestic titles with strong financial backing from the sponsor and I am happy to be part of it. I hope my return can help the club relive the glory days when Eastern were the dominant force in domestic soccer in the early 1990s."
Yapp, who is believed to be earning more than HK$50,000 a month, said money was not the major consideration in his move as other clubs made good offers.
"Eastern are a team with a long-term plan and that's not always the case in domestic soccer," said Yapp. "They have showed their determination by securing many quality players."
The arrival of defenders Jean Kilama, of Cameroon, and Brazilian Roberto Affonso, coupled with forwards Michel Lugo and Reinaldo Peres (both from Brazil) and Croatian midfield powerhouse Miroslav Saric, should make Eastern the team to beat.