Chan Wai-ho to make his final bow for Hong Kong against Jordan
South China skipper will end his international playing career on June 7 at Mong Kok as Hong Kong prepare for their Asian Cup match against the North Koreans
Centre-half Chan Wai-ho will don the Hong Kong jersey for the last time in his glittering 17-year international career against Jordan in a friendly next week in preparation for the team’s Asian Cup qualifier against North Korea.
The South China player is set to become the first Hong Kong international to receive the honour of having his official farewell match on the international stage – setting an example for his fellow Hong Kong players.
“I don’t have any regrets in my international career over the years,” said the South China captain, who first represented Hong Kong in a friendly match against United Arabs Emirates in 2000. “But if this [farewell match] can start bringing more recognition to players who have contributed to the Hong Kong team, this will be a good initiative which I am definitely all for.”
The Mong Kok Stadium match on June 7 will be Chan’s first international game since he was replaced in the fourth minute in the memorable World Cup goalless qualifier against China in Shenzhen in September 2015 after twisting his right ankle. The Jordan game will complete his 65th appearance for Hong Kong. Chan has proven to be one of the most reliable defenders to play for Hong Kong.
“I can suit the defensive requirements of different coaches and perhaps that’s why I have survived for so long, much longer than many of my peers,” said the versatile defender, who is expected to come on as an honorary guest player for Hong KOng. “When we first represented Hong Kong, we had to compete against naturalised players but they were only a small group of top players. Unlike nowadays, the Hong Kong team has seen an influx of naturalised players, some of them can’t even secure a regular position in their respective clubs.”