‘We never expected to win ... never’ – Tai Po make history in Hong Kong Premier League
- Coach says a club doesn’t have to be the biggest spenders to earn silverware success
- Tai Po are the first district team to win the Premier League after being formed in 2002
Wofoo Tai Po’s fairy-tale rise from humble beginnings was completed on Saturday when they became the first district team to win the Hong Kong Premier League title.
Needing victory across the border in Guangzhou to achieve the historic feat, two second-half strikes from goal hero Sandro started the celebrations as Tai Po beat nearest challengers R & F 2-1 in front of just 900 spectators at Yangzigang Stadium in Guangzhou.
With 38 points from 17 games, Tai Po are in unassailable position with one match left. R&F, who could have revitalised their hopes had they won, remain in second place– five points behind while Kwung Chung Southern are third on 32.
Tai Po were one of the district teams that Hong Kong Football Association introduced under the district soccer scheme with the help of the government in 2002. And it took two decades, starting at the bottom of the third-tier Third Division before the unlikeliest of teams climbed to the top.
“We never expected to become the first district team to win the league championship ... never,” said delighted club secretary Chan Ping, who saw his team come back from a goal down to seal their place in history. “Setting up district teams was meant to provide more opportunities for district football lovers and foster community solidarity. Thanks to hard work and through the efforts of the players throughout the season, we were able to pull off the surprise of the season.”