Kowloon City head coach Chan Ming-kong is determined to create a platform for young local players to succeed at both club and international levels.
Despite initial expectations that the newly promoted side would struggle, Kowloon City has exceeded predictions, firmly establishing itself as a strong contender outside the league’s top four. Their impressive performances include a shocking 3-2 comeback win over Kitchee, a draw with Eastern, and two victories against league regulars Southern.
Chan, 39, took charge last summer in his first managerial role after a 17-year playing career in Hong Kong.
“We were seen as underdogs, which gave us the freedom to try new ideas and play bravely,” Chan said. “People didn’t expect much from us, but that worked in our favor. When people doubt me, it fuels my motivation.”
Kowloon’s young players are already making an impact on the national stage. Former Kitchee defender Anson Yim Kai-cheuk, 20, and 21-year-old midfielder Ho Lung-ho, formerly of HKU23, both featured in Hong Kong’s squad for the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup in January. Ho is also part of the preliminary squad for this month’s FIFA international window.
“It’s our job to help players reach the Hong Kong team – that should be their ultimate goal,” Chan explained. “We also want our foreign players to earn recognition. If they perform well, they will have opportunities to progress to higher levels.”
Chan emphasized that hard work is key for young talents to earn their place. “Lung-ho got his chance because he worked hard and proved himself. Many young players in Hong Kong have potential, but training well is crucial before stepping onto the pitch. Every successful player has put in countless unseen hours of effort.”
Building for the Future
Before the season, Kowloon City’s co-owner Dave Ho vowed the club would “shoot for the stars” while ensuring long-term sustainability. The team has since signed nearly 30 players, with Chan given full backing despite his inexperience as a head coach.
“My bosses have been fearless,” Chan said. “They’ve supported my decisions even though I am a new coach.”
Committed to constant learning, Chan spends his free time scouting, analyzing matches, and seeking advice. “I don’t see this as a job – I have no days off. I do whatever it takes to improve.”
His dedication led him to skip a local coaches’ meeting with former Everton manager Sean Dyche in favor of a scouting trip to the AFC U-20 Asian Cup in Shenzhen.
“It was top-level football in Asia,” he said. “I studied tactics, player movements, and team preparation. Watching in person gives you insights that video analysis can’t provide. Coaching is about more than just training players – it’s understanding every aspect of the game.”
A Journey with No Limits
Chan’s playing career saw him represent nine clubs, including Pegasus, BC Rangers, and Lee Man. He credits this experience with helping him develop his English skills, which he initially struggled with in school.
“I was terrible at English in school, but I learned so I could communicate with foreign players,” he recalled. “Football is the same – you’re allowed to make mistakes. What matters is learning from them.”
Now enrolled in the first-ever Hong Kong AFC Pro Licence Diploma program, Chan aspires to coach abroad one day.
“I never got the chance to play overseas, but let’s see how far I can go as a coach,” he said.
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