Goalscoring machine Yuen Chun-sing could be Hong Kong’s next star striker, says coach Kwok Ka-lok
The 24-year-old gets his chance alongside a host of other youngsters in the Interport Cup against Guangdong
Coach Kwok Ka-lok has labelled him an important part of the future of Hong Kong soccer and forward Yuen Chun-sing believes the time is right for him to take his game to another level in the upcoming Interport Cup against Guangdong.
With five goals so far in his debut Hong Kong Premier League season, the Wofoo Tai Po player’s goalscoring power has caught the eyes of selectors and Kwok says he could be the city’s next star striker.
“He is very important to the future of the Hong Kong team and showed in the training that he has the potential,” said Kwok in his first training session with the players at Sai Cho Wan.
“When I led the under-18 squad against Tai Po, Yuen left a very good impression, especially his goalscoring power. He must grasp this opportunity to bolster his international career.”
Yuen entered the Premier League on the back of two impressive seasons for Sun Hei in the First Division, scoring 62 goals in 50 appearances, and the 24-year-old has a long history in Hong Kong soccer.
“I played in the junior divisions before leaving for the UK where I finished my business degree,” said Yuen, whose 1.83m frame gives him an advantage not usually found in local players.
“My physique was not very strong back in those days and that’s why I chose studies rather than soccer. But now I have fully matured and it’s time to get back to my beloved sport.”
Kwok says his high hopes for Yuen revolve around the fact he is one of the few local players who has a physique like veteran striker Chan Siu-ki, coupled with the ability of using the ball up front.
Yuen will line up alongside fellow up-and-comers Lam Hin-ting and Cheng Chin-lung of Dreams FC, Wu Chun-ming of Pegasus and Chuck Yiu-kwok of BC Rangers in an understrength Hong Kong side for the 40th edition of the annual Interport Cup.
Coach Kwok challenged his young charges to rise to the occasion and seize the opportunity.
“They possess similar quality to the A team players but need one or two opportunities to prove themselves,” said the coach.
“The Interport Cup and the Chinese New Year Cup will be two crucial platforms and if they can deliver, they certainly have a chance to be included for the all-important Asian Cup qualification against North Korea.”
Hong Kong will play host to Guangdong on January 4 before visiting Guangzhou on January 7 for the return leg.
