Hong Kong’s refugees and asylum seekers given lifeline through Africa United football club

‘If they’re not here, they’re on the streets. And this is a much better place for them,’ says coach and former professional Julius Akosah

But the team faces massive hurdle when it comes to finances – ‘even simple things like water and access to gyms would help us so much’

Reading Time:3 minutes

Tita Valdo, a member of Africa United, trains at Happy Valley pitch. He said football has been an immense help in him start a new life in Hong Kong. Edmond So

Published: 10:41am, 20 Oct 2021Updated: 11:59am, 20 Oct 2021

In 2001, Cameroonian footballer Julius Akosah came to Hong Kong to play professionally. He probably didn’t envisage he would still be here two decades later, giving refugees and asylum seekers a helping hand through the beautiful game.

The 40-year-old ended up having a 15-year career in the city (with a brief stop in Indonesia) taking in nine different clubs across the top three divisions, and even playing twice for the representative team in the Interport Cup.

Akosah is still deeply involved with the game in Hong Kong, and now coaches Africa United in the Cosmos Football League.

Africa United was set up to give refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from his home continent, a network and an outlet once they arrive and find themselves up against a strict government policy which prohibits them from working.

“For a lot of these guys, if they are not here, they are on the streets. And this is a much better place for them to be,” says Akosah.

Members of Africa United during training at Happy Valley with coach Julius Akosah (in red). Photo: Edmond So

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