Troubled South China urged to stand together
South China's caretaker team manager Chan Ping-on has called on the players to put the club's troubles behind them ahead of their League Cup group match against I-Sky Yuen Long at Kowloon Bay Park on Friday night.
We know there have been some changes at the club which may affect the players but this is not uncommon in Hong Kong soccer
"We know there have been some changes at the club which may affect the players but this is not uncommon in Hong Kong soccer," said Chan, who played for South China for 10 years from the late 1980s and was captain.
"The job of the players is to accomplish on the pitch and I want them to prove they are true professionals. I also feel sorry for the departure of the coach but we have to put this behind us as it is already history. We have to unite together and fight for the name of South China as we have a long tradition."
Coach Yeung Ching-kwong was suddenly sacked on Monday as management lost patience with the team's performance so far this season. Yeung had led the team to third place in the Premier League standings and the semi-finals of the Senior Shield.
Argentine Mario Gomez, assistant to Hector Cuper at Valencia and Internazionale in the late 1990s and early 2000s, is in Hong Kong negotiating terms to take over as coach.
Yeung became the third South China casualty after the dismissal of their goalkeeping coach and assistant team manager last month.
Chan was brought in after the first two sackings to strengthen the communication between players and the club's management.
With Gomez yet to sign a deal and obtain a work permit, South China will be led by assistant coach Ku Kam-fai today. The Caroliners defeated YFCHK 3-1 in their opening League Cup match.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Football Association are to investigate the pitch conditions at Kowloon Bay Park - the Premier League's only artificial turf venue - after complaints.
