Say Goodbye to Cristiano Cordeiro

Photos by Karen Chan

Sun Hei footballer Cristiano Cordeiro played his last football game on Sunday, in Mongkok stadium with a lot of fans and friends. Cordeiro, now 38 years old, dedicated his best time for Hong Kong football, played for SCAA and Sun Hei in his 14 years time in Hong Kong. He also gave up his Brazilian citizenship in order to represent Hong Kong in the international stage.

The testimonial was divided into three sessions. First session was played between Sun Hei All Star and Cordeiro All Star, Cordeiro leading ex-players to play against his own Sun Hei teammates. Players like Santos, Au Wei Lu, Lee Kin Wo, Yau Kin Wai played with Cordeiro for Cordeiro All Star. While current and ex-Sun Hei players including Leung Chi Wing, Chung Kin Hei, Lee Wai Lun, Domingos Chan and others played for Sun Hei All Star. The game reminded 0-0 when 30 minutes (time per session) was up, therefore referee decided to add 5 more minutes to the game which allowing Cris to score a goal with header and leads Cordeiro All Star to their victory.

Second session was played between Sun Hei Master Team and Hong Kong Celebrity Team. Sun Hei Master Team includes ex-Sun Hei coach Ricardo and staff in their management team, while Hong Kong Celebrity Team has many famous Hong Kong actors and singers, including Alan Tam, Andy Hui, Kenneth Ma, Felix Wong and so on. Again, no one managed to score within 30 minutes but Sun Hei Master Team scored a goal in additional time. Making the score 1-0.

Third session, which was the last session, played between Cordeiro All Star 2, with current Citizen footballers like Wong Yiu Fu, Tse Tak Him, Chui Chun Kit and Sun Hei All Star 2 with all current Sun Hei players. The game ended with a 2-1 socreline, of course Sun Hei won the session and Cordeiro scored both goals for his team. One of the goal was a penalty which opponent goalkeeper Tse Tak Him fell to his right even before Cordeiro kick the ball, so the ball easily went into the back of the net.

This game is definitely a memorable one, not only for Cordeiro but everyone in the stadium that day. This game might have marked the end of a great player’s football career, but like those who participated in the testimonial, they remain in every football fan’s heart.

"All the best and good luck in the future and have a safe trip back to Brazil, Cris!"