Kitchee SC 2023-24 Half Term Report

Helio- credits to Scoop

Kitchee have now played half of their league games this season, returning with two wins after the layoff from the Asian Cup. Kitchee find themselves in 2nd place, with Lee Man out in front, the men from TKO having taken the early advantage defeating us 4-1 in September. Since then, we have only dropped two points in the league, coming in a lacklustre 0-0 draw at home to Southern, with VAR controversially saving us. We lifted the Premier League Cup and the Senior Shield, but our ACL campaign was a massive disappointment. Our Sapling Cup campaign has been a mixed bag- playing the majority of games during the international breaks has meant much more reliance on younger players, teenager Yuen Chun-him with two goals and three assists so far being the pick of the bunch. Here we assess Kitchee's season so far, looking at our recruitment and our performances.

Recruitment

Temirov- credits to Scoop

Onazi and Damcevski's limited action in Kitchee shirts was diabolical. The only highlight was Onazi's new employer announcing his transfer prematurely, leading to the player arguing with fans online about his commitment, fuelled by middle man Anthony Lam. Jakob Jantscher and Juninho were recruited to replace the goals of Dejan Damjanovic, but they have had inconsistent seasons. Jantscher was excellent in the ACL but has not been as clinical in the league, while Juninho's injury issues have restricted him to thirteen games in all competitions, scoring eight goals in the process. Tan Chun-lok has been dependable when called upon, with over half of his appearances being as a substitute despite him being a regular starter for the Hong Kong team. In the winter, Uzbek forward Sherzod Temirov was brought in, and has three goals so far. Bosnian centre back Sedin Ramic arrived in January, and after a shaky Sapling Cup debut, was awarded Man of the Match in the league game with Rangers. With Oli Gerbig departing to the CSL, we will likely see a lot more of Ramic as the season progresses.

Angry Boundary Street grade: B

Best performances

Mikael- credits to Scoop

Jakob Jantscher scored four goals in four games in the ACL, despite our poor team performances. Mikael scored a wondergoal in Jeonbuk in the ACL, and has fifteen goals in all competitions. Paulo was immense away in Bangkok, saving a penalty and helping ensure our ten men came away with a point. As a team, the comprehensive victory over Lee Man in the Sapling Cup and the league thrashing of HKFC have been the best performances. Against HKFC, Kim Shin-wook scored a hat trick, and Igor Sartori contributed a goal and four assists; neither have looked anywhere near these levels since, with Kim not featuring in the league again. Our ACL win away in Singapore gave a positive ending to a tough campaign, and the grit we showed with ten men against Eastern to force extra time and eventually win the Senior Shield was impressive.

Worst performances

Onazi- credits to Scoop

The 4-1 defeat to Lee Man in the league was a massive setback for our title ambitions, with new signings Onazi and Damcevski being particularly poor (the latter never played again). All three ACL home games were poor, but Lion City was arguably the worst, as we conceded sloppy goals, aided by Onazi putting in a shambolic performance (he never played after this game). The first half against Sham Shui Po was poor; at half time we were drawing 0-0 with the worst team in the league before a goal fest papered over the cracks. In the Friday night home game against Southern, our attack was non-existent and we were incredibly lucky to get away with a draw - VAR reprieving us of conceding in the last minute, the wrong decision in our opinion. Although we had a good first half away at North District, we conceded two goals in the last ten minutes to almost throw the game away.

Competition	Results	Progress
HKPL	P10 W8 D1 L1	2nd
FA Cup	N/A	QF against HKFC on 9/3
Senior Shield	P3 W3	Winners
Sapling Cup	P7 W4 D1 L2	3rd in group (1 match left)
Premier League Cup	P2 W2	Winners
Asian Champions League	P6 W1 D1 L4	4th (eliminated)

Premier League Cup victory- credits to Scoop

We are still able to win another treble, but consistency will be crucial to defending the league title, as Lee Man remain unbeaten. Winning both trophies so far is a good return. Even with international players absent for the majority of the campaign, Kitchee should have still had the quality to go through in the Sapling Cup, which they still can with victory over Lee Man in March. Kitchee should beat HKFC in the FA Cup quarter final, to would set up a semi-final meeting with Eastern. The Asian Champions League was the main disappointment, finishing bottom of the group and losing all three home games.

Angry Boundary Street grade: B+

Name	Season stats
Mikael 7.5 out of 10 Our top scorer, with 15 goals in 22 games in all competitions. Scored a wonder goal in Jeonbuk but faded afterwards in the ACL. Has missed two games through suspension, primarily through repeated dissent to officials, and currently has 10 yellow cards. This habit could prove costly in the long term for Kitchee’s season, as his goals are crucial to our success	22 games, 15 goals, 2 assists
Jakob Jantscher 6.5 out of 10 Has been mainly utilised through the middle in the absence of Kim and Juninho, but would be more effective and comfortable on the left. Four goals in as many games in the ACL gave us hope of positive results, and he is scoring regularly in the Sapling Cup. Needs more goals in the league if we continue to use him through the middle. Possibly more suited to the counter attacking tactics of the ACL rather than the dominance in possession of the HKPL.	21 games, 10 goal, 4 assists
Cleiton 6 out of 10 Much closer to forty than thirty these days, and does not have the legs he had before, especially for the ACL. Played every minute of our victorious Senior Shield campaign, but needs to stop arguing with officials, having already served one ban this season. Has been in poor form (the HKU23 game aside), likely leaving at the end of the season.	21 games, 3 goals, 6 assists
Andy Russell 6 out of 10 At times has looked short of pace, especially in the ACL. With Gerbig gone and Helio’s injury issues, we will need a big shift from him in the second half of the season. Retired from international football, and has chipped in with four goals in the cups.	20 games, 4 goals
Fernando 7 out of 10 Now thirty seven, the Kitchee legend has rolled back the years, delivering solid performances at either left back or left wing. Eleven assists in all competitions, and his set pieces have posed problems for defenders. Scored in three successive games in December, including two freekicks. A shoulder injury forced him off early in the Senior Shield final, and we hope to see him back soon. Gave away an unlucky penalty in the ACL.	20 games, 3 goals, 11 assists
Tan Chun-lok 5.5 out of 10 Only made five starts in the league despite being a regular for Hong Kong. Is a fan favourite but his lack of playing time relative to his ability means we may lose him in the summer. Has chipped in with a couple of goals, and made a productive cameo in the Senior Shield final.	19 games, 3 goals
Charlie Scott 7.5 out of 10 Struggled for minutes early on as Kitchee opted to use Onazi. Once that experiment finished, Scott returned and has hardly put a foot wrong since. Scored a couple of screamers in the league, as well as a crucial penalty to force extra time in the Senior Shield final. His passing has been the springboard for many attacks, and he has deputised at centre back on occasion. Good delivery from set pieces.	18 games, 3 goals, 3 assists
Roberto 6.5 out of 10 The veteran right back continues to be a regular part of the squad, and scored the winning penalty in the Premier League Cup. A rock in defence despite his advancing years, playing both CB and RB. Should Kitchee still be so reliant on a player turning forty one in May, despite consistent performances?	17 games
Law Tsz-chun 5 out of 10 Like Shinichi, wing back probably suits his skillset more than full back. His versatility has helped, playing up and down both flanks, including over a hundred minutes at left back in the Senior Shield final. Deputised as captain on occasion. Could do with adding more assists to his game.	17 games, 3 assists
Helio 4.5 out of 10 Age is starting to catch up with him, exposed in the ACL. Struggled with injury throughout, and his sending off in the Senior Shield final put pressure on us. Possibly departing at the end of the campaign.	17 games
Ruslan Mingazow 5 out of 10 The reigning Hong Kong player of the year has not hit the lofty heights of last campaign. We need to see more from him now he is fully recovered after his injury trouble. Scored a memorable late winner in the Senior Shield final, but will be disappointed not to contribute much to the ACL campaign. Ironically his best performance this season came against Hong Kong for Turkmenistan.	17 games, 3 goals, 4 assists
Shinichi Chan 6 out of 10 Exposed defensively at times this season, and would probably be more comfortable playing wing back. Returned injured from the Asian Cup. Would like to see him add some more assists when he returns. Linked with a move to the CSL.	17 games, 3 assists
Cheng Ching-lung 4 out of 10 Most of his appearances have come off the bench, except in the Sapling Cup where he has started out of position at right back and right wing. Despite making his 100th Kitchee appearance this season, it is unclear what the future holds for him. Made his first league start for over a year against HKU23.	16 games, 1 goal, 3 assists
Oli Gerbig 6.5 out of 10 Played both CB and RB this season, with performances leading to a debut for HK, and played every minute at the Asian Cup. Has now left for Henan of the Chinese Super League, and will be a big loss at the heart of our defence.	16 games, 1 goal, 1 assist
Poon Pui-hin 5 out of 10 Only two league starts but has injected some energy in his second half cameos. His ACL campaign ended with a harsh red card in Bangkok. Been a part of HK squads for the Asian Games and Asian Cup and has performed well. Needs more minutes through the middle and too often is brought on late on, so has had limited opportunities to shine.	14 games, 2 goal, 2 assists
Paulo Cesar 7 out of 10 The veteran has kept six clean sheets in all competitions, and was Kitchee's star man as we held on for a point in Bangkok. Unfortunately got injured in November, but helped us win the Senior Shield in his first game for nearly three months. His penalty saving prowess has got us out of jail on more than one occasion.	13 games
Juninho 6 out of 10 Injury prone, but effective when fit (8 in 13 in all comps). The constant thigh problems are a cause for concern. Scored the winner to put us through to the Senior Shield final, in between two injury layoffs. Now counts as a local player, giving us more flexibility as a side, and has made his debut for HK.	13 games, 8 goals, 5 assists
Huang Yang 5 out of 10 Our club captain retired from international duty after not making the Asian Cup squad, and turned forty in October. Only really featured off the bench this season, save for the Sapling Cup.	12 games
Igor Sartori 3 out of 10 His attacking output is not at the levels of last season, and he will likely leave in the summer. Ignoring the routs of HKFC and HKU23, he has 3 assists and no goals in ten games in all competitions, far below what is expected.	12 games, 3 goals, 7 assists
Sherzod Temirov 5 out of 10 Fans had low expectations when he was signed, as the Uzbek striker only scored twice last season in Iran. Has already exceeded this tally which will do wonders for his confidence, and his work rate pleases fans.	9 games, 3 goals, 1 assist
Wang Zhenpeng 5 out of 10 Deputised in the absence of Paulo through injury and looked ok, but struggled to keep clean sheets. Saved a couple of penalties, and is another member of the squad approaching forty years old.	8 games
Tuscany Shek 4 out of 10 Made his debut in the Sapling Cup 15, and looks confident but prone to a few mistakes. Made his league debut at 16 against HKU23 but had precious little to do.	6 games
Kim Shin-wook 1.5 out of 10 Waste of money. Has only played six games in all competitions (scoring 5 goals and missing a Panenka). Rumour has it Kitchee are tied into an expensive three year deal, so contract termination is not a financially viable option.	6 games, 5 goals
Ibrahim Kurban 3 out of 10 Made his debut in the closing stages in Jeonbuk, and started against HKU23. Mainly featured in the Sapling Cup. Kitchee opted to play Ramic out of position instead with Shinichi and Fernando out against Rangers, so he is unlikely to play a big role.	5 games
Ogenyi Onazi 1 out of 10 Shambles. How this man has over fifty international caps and went to a World Cup we do not know. Fan sentiment towards him was not helped by his idiotic antics on social media, including posting his own highlight reel and arguing with fans.	5 games
Sedin Ramic 4 out of 10 Shaky Sapling Cup debut, solid league debut (earning man of the match). Not the best with the ball at his feet and has been exposed on occasion. A young centre back who will likely play more than originally expected with Gerbig's departure to the CSL. Too early to know for sure but a promising prospect.	3 games
Aleksandr Damcevski 1 out of 10 Also a shambles, only played two games. Walked straight down the tunnel after the defeat at Lee Man and was never seen on the pitch again.	2 games
Seb Buddle 3 out of 10 Only played eight minutes but does have a goal. Will likely only play against weaker opponents as there are better options in both right-sided positions.	1 game, 1 goal
Best of the Rest 5 out of 10 Playing most Sapling Cup games during international breaks has meant more minutes for our youngsters, with many making their professional debuts. But there is a big gap between these U22 players and the first team. Matthew Slattery (7 games) has looked energetic but is yet to score in seven Sapling games. Jason Kam (6 games) has not pushed on from last season, with Kitchee tending to opt for experience in central defence instead. Yuen Chun-him (6 games) has two goals and three assists. Yeung Cheuk-kwan (6 games) scored his first professional goal, and looks promising in his cameos off the bench. Lau Yu-ho (2 games) Yu Ching-wai (2 games) and Pang Hing-hei (2 games) have been restricted to short cameos off the bench.	a

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