Thought the new season has already began? No, not for the Hong Kong Division One which will only begin on Friday, 31st Aug. And speaking of changes, think the HK league tops the list not only with players leaving, coach switching, but change of team names and more…
Firstly, let’s talk about the new teams, there will be two new teams Southern District FC and Rangers FC (no, not Yokohama FC), joining the top league in the upcoming season. Southern finished 2nd in Division Two last season, which given them the chance to play in the top league for the first time. Although with players like Ip Chung Long, Chan Ming Kong and others joining the team, lots of people still don’t think the team will be able to stay in the top league next season. Their home stadium will be Aberdeen Sports Ground and their Division One journey will begin on the coming Saturday playing against Rangers.
Another team, Rangers, was called Mettip last season in Division Two, they finished 1st and come back to the top league at the same time changed their name back to one that people are familiar with. This season, many young players like Li Ka Chun, Lam Hok Hei and Lau Nim Yat, etc, joined the team. Although the team may not be strong enough to compete for titles, they are definitely one of those teams that may bring surprises to us. Their home stadium will be Sham Shui Po Sports Ground.
You maybe wondering, isn't Yokohama FC a new team in Division One? Well, yes and no. They were called Biu Chun Rangers last season and played in Division One, this season, Biu Chun Rangers loaned their membership to Yokohama FC and changed their name as well. As for players, most of their players are from previous Sham Shui Po, with a few new Japanese players. Confusing? Yeah, we totally agree. Just remember, Ranger FC is not same as Biu Chun Rangers, that will do.
Speaking of changes in names, there is another team who has changed their name from TSW Pegasus to Sun Pegasus, as they have changed their boss. Not only changed their boss, many players who were previously playing for TSW Pegasus also left the team, Lee Hong Lim went to South China, Cheung Kin Fung went to Sun Hei, Godfred is playing in China now and many other key players are no longer with the team. Therefore, although the team got into final for both League Cup and FA Cup, as well as finished 2nd in the league last season, many worry that they will not do well this season.
There are plenty of changes in different teams as well, Chan Siu Ki has joined Godfred in China; Jack Sealy joined Lee Hong Lim at South China., and the list goes on. South China has brought in plenty of new players, it seems like they are going to put up a fight with Kitchee, and not letting them claim most of the titles this season.
First league game will kick off at 8pm on 31st August, between Sun Pegasus and Tai Po.
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