South China win Community Cup - they beat rivals Kitchee 2-0 in repeat of last year's win
Coach Casemiro Mior says the victory provides some solace after their AFC Cup exit
South China coach Casemiro Mior refused to get carried away after watching his side beat rivals Kitchee 2-0 in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Cup at Mong Kok Stadium on Sunday.
Goals from Manoel Santos and Sean Tse Ka-keung either side of half-time gave the Caroliners a convincing start to the domestic season, providing some solace after their exit from the AFC Cup by Johor, of Malaysia, last week.
"The win is important because we beat a strong team Kitchee in a very tough game," said the coach. "But this is not a Premier League match and only a charity cup. We have a long way to go.
The win is important because we beat a strong team Kitchee in a very tough game. But this is not a Premier League match and only a charity cup. We have a long way to go
"But still we can take a lot out of the match as we used many players who did not play in the AFC Cup and for some it was also the first time they played for South China. We need to see how they blend in with the rest of the players."
Debutant midfielder Luiz Junior and striker Lucas da Silva, both from Brazil, showed glimpses of skill and technique in front of a strong 4,200 crowd, while goalscorer Tse caught Mior's eye as he took over the role of injured captain Chan Wai-ho in central defence.
The trio did not feature in the AFC Cup because of a quota on foreign players.
"Sean can be one of the best players in the Premier League if he can keep focused on football and is not sidetracked by other things," said Mior. "He is fast, strong with a good physique and can play a number of positions. I have good confidence in him."