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Kevin Kung

Macau's Brian Leong Ka-hang knows making it as a pro footballer in Hong Kong is going to be a much longer - and rougher - journey than the hour-long ferry crossing across the Delta.
The 22-year-old striker followed in the footsteps of former Sun Hei keeper Domingos Chan in the inaugural Hong Kong Premier League season after signing for Wofoo Tai Po in November, but his season was cut short in March after a thigh injury.
Undaunted, the two-time Macau Player of the Year is determined to return next season.

Watch: Brian Leong chats about his HK Premier League ambitions 
"I have been waiting for this opportunity for years. So finally getting to play in Hong Kong this season was a dream come true," said Leong, who has been approached by several clubs since first winning the player of the year prize in 2011.
"The past calls were either false dawns or came at a time when I had injuries," said Leong, who won the award again in 2014.

I didn't get enough rest, which resulted in exhaustion and caused injuries. But if I had a chance to do it again, I would definitely make the same choice
Brian Leong
"I didn't expect Tai Po to take me on board after I trained with them for a couple of weeks last September. I didn't go to Hong Kong after that because of school work and thought they didn't see me as a good fit for the team. But I was called back again after the Interport Football Championships and signed a contract not long after."

Leong was a dominant forward in Macau but immediately realised Hong Kong was a step up after joining the district side as a part-time player.
"Given that I'm counted as a foreign player in the league, I had to perform well to get in the starting line-up," said Leong. "It was not easy even to be named as a substitute. The intensity of the games is higher in Hong Kong."
Leong broke into the first team during the season, though he didn't manage to get on the scoresheet in the nine matches he played.
The University of Macau final-year student said the most challenging part was the travelling.
"I usually came to Hong Kong three or four days a week for training and matches," said Leong. "I had to get on a ferry departing at 8.30am in order to reach Tai Po for practice at 11.15am. Straight after, I had to rush back to Sheung Wan for the return trip to catch afternoon lessons at university. I also had to fulfil national duties with the Macau team. All while working on final year projects overnight.
"I didn't get enough rest, which resulted in exhaustion and caused injuries. But if I had a chance to do it again, I would definitely make the same choice.
"I think the past season in Hong Kong was just a starter. It was a crucial part of me adapting and I really want to come back for more."
Pau Ka-yiu, manager of Tai Po, said he saw plenty of potential, but warned he needed to improve his fitness. "As a striker, he has an important element - pace. I believe he will hone his technique through more match experience. If he wants to continue to play in Hong Kong, he needs to improve his fitness. Training hours for clubs in Macau are fewer than in Hong Kong."
Leong agreed and said Tai Po have helped him gain a better understanding of the defensive side of his game. He said he had been contacted by another Premier League side, but was not able to say any more at this stage.
"As I just finished school, I can fully devote my time to the game, and base myself in Hong Kong for the whole of next season. With the experience I gained and reducing my travelling time, I will be stronger and better," he said.


Macau's Brian Leong ready to fight all the way to make it as a footballer in Hong Kong

Macau's Brian Leong is keen to make an impact. Photo: Kevin Kung

Brian Leong is determined to make a comeback next season after his season was cut short by a thigh injury in March.

Sport

Hong Kong

The two-time Macau player of the year had a taste of the Premier League this season and is desperate for more


Macau's Brian Leong Ka-hang knows making it as a pro footballer in Hong Kong is going to be a much longer - and rougher - journey than the hour-long ferry crossing across the Delta


Macau's Brian Leong ready to fight all the way to make it as a footballer in Hong Kong

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The two-time Macau player of the year had a taste of the Premier League this season and is desperate for more

The two-time Macau player of the year had a taste of the Premier League this season and is desperate for more