Kitchee updates and international duty, but no manager update yet

Photo by Santiago/offside

By Adam O'Domhnaill

The club season may be over, but over the last week we've seen a historic win for the senior Hong Kong team, wins at youth level for our younger players, and strong rumours of a change of home ground for the 2025-26 season.

The big Kitchee news

We are likely to be evicted from Mong Kok Stadium for next season, although we are awaiting official confirmation. Tseung Kwan O Stadium is undergoing season-long maintenance works, and as a result Lee Man will have the option to choose their new venue (almost definitely choosing Mong Kok), due to finishing above us in the league, as did Eastern, who will stay at MK too. Until recently, this was HKPL policy, resulting in regular changes of home grounds season after season, before it was decided teams should stay in one place to try and build a local fanbase. AFC regulations state more than two teams cannot share a home ground for access to continental competition, and so we would be the first tenants of Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. We'll keep our page name the same despite the brief exodus.

Hong Kong news

Photo by Santiago/offside

Juninho scored against Manchester United for Hong Kong, in a game where Leon Jones and Ngan Cheuk-pan also started, alongside Fernando who captained the side. Tan Chun-lok and Helio came off the bench. Sixteen year old goalkeeper Lucas Cheung was called up late to the side as cover but did not get on, as three second half goals for Manchester United handed them a 3-1 win.

Hong Kong 0 Nepal 0- Juninho, Ngan Cheuk-pan, Leon Jones (and the recently departed Fernando) all started, with Tan Chun-lok coming off the bench in a pretty drab affair that saw a lot of fans questioning manager Ashley Westwood's tactical selections.

Photo by Santiago/offside

Hong Kong 1 India 0- Juninho, Tan Chun-lok and Leon Jones started, with Ngan Cheuk-pan coming off the bench. In front of forty two thousand fans (the second highest Hong Kong home attendance of all time), former Kitchee academy striker Michael Udebuluzor was taken out in stoppage time, and Southern striker Stefan Pereira scored to send the crowd wild. Safe to say the 'Westwood Out' brigade are pretty quiet now.

The total attendance of the Hong Kong Premier League last season was just over seventy thousand, so we'd encourage all our readers to send this article to any friends or family that attended last night (or have a passing interest in football), as we'd love to see HKPL games hitting a thousand fans with much more regularity. Out of 108 games, attendances only broke 1000 on twenty one occasions, with four of these being Kitchee home games, and a further three being away games. 

Tuscany (credit HKFA)

Chen Ngo-hin, Matthew Slattery and Chan Shing-chun and Tom Yeung Cheuk-kwan travelled with HKU23 to Thailand to play friendlies with Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. Slattery and Yeung started the Thailand game, with both scoring in the first half to help Hong Kong into a 3-0 lead which was pegged back to 3-2 by full time. Chan Shing-chun and Chen Ngo-hin both came off the bench in the second half. The friendly against the UAE was behind closed doors with limited information available, other than Hong Kong lost 5-0.

Tuscany Shek was an unused substitute as HK U20s lost on penalties to a Hubei U18 side in the semi finals of a charity competition held at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, but he started the third placed playoff against Malaga U19, saving two penalties in the shoot out as Hong Kong won after a 2-2 draw.

Manager news

Photo by Scoop

Nothing major to report in this regard, but a host of names have popped up on social media. Edgar Cardoso and assistant Stefano Sousa left the club, but other assistant Fernando Recio was retained. It is purely fan speculation who comes next. Names mentioned include Jordi Tarres (current technical director) and Gary White (former Hong Kong manager), although both of these seem very unlikely given previous comments by chairman Ken Ng. Current Aston Villa under 21s and former Kitchee boss Josep Gombau has been linked, along with Carles Anton, a former Hong Kong youth coach. Both have experience working in Hong Kong football, which was a criticism levelled at Edgar Cardoso at times. More left-field names thrown into the mix (again, purely by fans) are former Kitchee players Diego Forlan and Matt Smith, but neither have great managerial track records and so appointing either seems unlikely. We expect more concrete rumours and an eventual appointment after the international break, with preseason starting at the start of July.

Transfer speculation and confirmation

Ins

Photo by Scoop

As has been discussed in previous months, Kendy and Callum Beattie are set to join Kitchee from North District and Hong Kong Football Club respectively, with the latter waiting on his Hong Kong passport (similar to current player Jay Haddow) in order to class as a local player next campaign. Pong Cheuk-hei, also known as Bear, the goalkeeper for North District has been linked again- the club attempted to sign him last summer, before opting for Fynn Talley. The most surprising transfer link saw rumours of Leung Nok-hang (Sailo) potentially joining us from Meizhou Hakka in the Chinese Super League. While this signing would be a big statement of intent from the club, it has been debunked on Weibo, and makes little logistical sense- taking a massive pay cut to play for a club not in continental competition, unless other factors are in play. It is likely that any incoming foreign players from abroad will not be signed until a new coaching team is in place, with the new manager likely to bring some of his own backroom team too.

Outs

Photo by Scoop

At the start of June, Kitchee announced the departures of Welthon, Luis Machado, Bae Jae-woo, Aaron Rey, Diego Bardanca, Fynn Talley and Sherzod Temirov, on the expiration of their contracts. None of these really came as a shock based on recent events. Club captain Helio and vice captain Fernando have also both left after making over 400 Kitchee appearances between them, with the latter almost certainly going to Tai Po. After an underwhelming campaign, where he played less than fifteen percent of possible minutes, forward Poon Pui-hin continues to have admirers in the Chinese football leagues, with Changchun Yatai of the Chinese Super League the latest link. 

And finally congratulations to Kitchee Women who completed a domestic double with victory in the FA Cup on Sunday. Former Kitchee manager Alex Chu was in the dugout, as was Wang Zhenpeng as goalkeeping coach, as Kitchee won 2-0.

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End of season review

Another HKPL season is over; Kitchee finished trophyless for the first time in over a decade, and will be without continental football for a second consecutive season. Even though there were brief periods of resurgence, Kitchee were miles off the pace for the majority of the season. The team failed to perform in big games (only taking 4 points outof the possible 18 points against Tai Po and Lee Man) and struggled to take apart the weaker teams with the ruthless efficiency seen in previous years.

The inconsistency was infuriating at times; throughout the season, Kitchee dropped ten points from winning positions, including the opening day against North District (2-0 up at 85 minutes becoming a 2-2 draw) and in February against Kowloon City (2-0 up at 71 minutes becoming a 3-2 defeat). There was also the spell around Chinese New Year when Kitchee won four games in a row (three games from behind) in four consecutive weekends.

Fans naturally felt very disappointed at the end of the season and hope for much more from a likely changed squad and coaching staff next year. To wrap up the season, here we look at performances in different competitions and assess player performance.

Hong Kong Premier League

Kitchee finished 4th again, nine points behind third place and thirteen points off the title. The key reasons for this were not turning up in big games (as outlined earlier, performances against Tai Po and Lee Man were generally not up to scratch) and dropping twelve points to bottom half clubs- drawing twice with Southern, losing to Kowloon City, and drawing and losing to North District, with Kitchee struggling to deliver good performances for the whole ninety minutes week in week out.

Maintaining six clean sheets was impressive for young goalkeeper Fynn Talley, especially with a constantly changing backline- seven different centre backs and five different full backs. Kitchee did score a lot of goals, and the team had a fairly solid defensive record (only one of the six defeats was by more than a goal). Two standout attacking performances came with the thrashings of Rangers at home (8-0) and Kowloon City away (5-0) in the first half of the season, and over Chinese New Year when they ground out a 2-1 win in Tai Po before tearing apart a tired Eastern side 3-0, with three first half goals. For next season, consistency is vital- although the league has levelled out a bit in terms of quality, Kitchee cannot afford to drop so many points if they wish to seriously challenge for the league again.

FA Cup

One game, one defeat, very disappointing. After falling apart in the league against Kowloon City (having withdrawn Rey, Fernando and Juninho with an eye on the cup) Kitchee blew a 2-0 lead for the second time that week, this time to Tai Po, and ended the slim chances of continental football. Cardoso's use of subs was poor- Helio was brought on to 'protect the lead' at 2-1 but after Tai Po equalising and taking the tie to extra time, no further subs were made, leaving Kitchee with Helio as an emergency forward on the pitch, and young attacking players on the bench. Considering Fernando's head injury and the game going into extra time, Kitchee could have made another five subs, whether that be another attacking option or providing fresh legs further back, but Cardoso did neither and ultimately Kitchee lost 3-2 after extra time.

Senior Shield

Started off with a good performance to beat Tai Po having lost in the league the week before. A feisty encounter ended with Kitchee winning 3-1. The semi final against Lee Man (for the third season in a row) was not a disastrous performance, but the suspension of Mingazow and Machado's injury meant Temirov and Poon Pui-hin manned the flanks, and were ineffective. Again Cardoso's game management was questioned as he only made one sub and Kitchee were eliminated with a 2-1 loss, ending the chance of winning a third Senior Shield in a row, and it brought to an end a five year unbeaten run in the competition, with the caveat of the competition being suspended for two years due to the pandemic.

Sapling Cup

The much-maligned tournament saw Kitchee handing out debuts for four teenagers, none of whom seemed out of place. Playing the games during international breaks cost the side experience, especially with the final game against Eastern clashing with games for the Hong Kong senior and U22 sides. Kitchee were minutes away from qualifying for the knockout stage; Jay Haddow's goal gave them the lead in the winner takes all game with Eastern, but a late equaliser from Eastern knocked Kitchee out and ended any remaining hope of a trophy for this season. The first three games were a mixed bag; a drab draw with North District, a comfortable win over HKFC and a thrashing at the hands of Tai Po.

Now we rate the performance of players across this disappointing campaign. For simplicity, we have only rated those who have played over 20% of Kitchee's minutes this season. 

Aaron Rey 28 games (28 starts), 2312 minutes, 7 goals, 6 assists, 7 yellows, 5.5/10

A near ever-present,consistently starting and contributing, playing over 80% of Kitchee's minutes. Spent too long holding onto the ball in possession as the season progressed which matched with a reddit comment made by a fan of one of Rey's former clubs when it was announced he had signed for the club. Ultimately left on the expiration of his contract at the end of May.

Sherzod Temirov 30 games (22 starts), 2216 minutes, 15 goals, 5 assists, 4 yellows, 6/10

Top scorer and only missed one game, where he was unable to head a ball due to a cut. Started every Kitchee game from the end of January without much of a break, having been a sub for most games before Christmas. Worked hard, leading to him being shortlisted for HKPL team of the year. Left at the end of May, weeks after reaching fifty games for the club.

Juninho 26 games (23 starts), 2119 minutes, 9 goals, 2 assists, 6 yellows, 5.5/10

He blew hot and cold in his new midfield role- his official goal contributions were down, but he was key to our good performances, helping the transition from defence to attack and spreading the play. Scored a few fantastic goals throughout the season. Key player for Hong Kong under Westwood, he has been linked with moves in the summer but looks set to stay with us.

Fynn Talley 23 games (23 starts), 2100 minutes, 6 clean sheets, 2 yellows, 5.5/10

Shaky start but recovered well, keeping six clean sheets and tying for the golden glove. He kept Kitchee in multiple games where they were dominated. He was probably unfairly made the scapegoat as a foreign goalkeeper for poor recruitment elsewhere. Left at the end of May.

Luis Machado 27 games (24 starts), 2096 minutes, 6 goals, 8 assists, 5 yellows, 4.5/10

A player coming in with a solid reputation, he was sometimes very good, but was inconsistent. Versatile, he filled in on either flank or in attacking midfield, we needed more from him, and he left at the end of May.

Matheus Dantas 24 games (24 starts),  2088 minutes, 1 goal, 9 yellows, 6.5/10

A late arrival, joining in October after the Bardanca experiment failed. The Brazilian started 24 of 26 games after arriving, and he looked assured- it was notable that the Kowloon City collapse came in the game he was suspended for. Fancied himself from free kicks just outside the box, but never looked close to scoring from these.

Jordan Lam 27 games (23 starts), 2087 minutes, 4 assists, 3 yellows, 1 red, 4.5/10

He spent most of his season with North District in 23/24 playing on the wing but a decision was made early doors to solely start him at left back for Kitchee. A silly red card against his former employers meant he was suspended for the Lee Man thrashing. Chipped in with a few assists, but too often the set pieces were too fancy and offered little threat.

Ngan Cheuk-pan 26 games (20 starts), 1957 minutes, 1 goal, 2 assists, 5 yellows, 5/10

Worked hard but was often left abandoned in midfield, and with a lack of backup was playing virtually 90 minutes week in week out with Jay Haddow and Tan Chun-lok's long-term injuries. Filled in at centre back on occasion. Also deputised for Lok at international level, and linked with moves to China in the summer.

Leon Jones 21 games (19 starts), 1684 minutes, 4 yellows, 1 red, 5.5/10

Formed a decent partnership with Dantas, and it was telling that the majority of our poor performances came when one of the pair was absent. Missed a few games through injury, and was sent off as a sub on his return. Captained the Senior Shield defeat to Lee Man, in only his ninth appearance for the club. Key player for Hong Kong, starting all nine games under Ashley Westwood, scoring his first goal against Macau in March. Shortlisted for HKPL team of the year.

Bae Jae-woo 24 games (20 starts), 1665 minutes, 1 goal, 1 assist, 5 yellows, 5/10

Provided energy but often removed early. Seemed to be Cardoso's go-to choice at right back, got a goal and an assist but ultimately did not earn a new contract.

Fernando 26 games (18 starts), 1639 minutes, 5 goals, 6 assists, 3 yellows, 6.5/10

After starting a few games at left back early on, he came into the starting line up further forward in January and never looked back, inspiring Kitchee to 4 wins in a row, and started almost every game in the second half of the season. Rewarded with the player of the month award for February, and earned a spot in the HKPL team of the year. Reached 200 Kitchee appearances earlier in the season, and announced his departure in early June, with Tai Po heavily linked.

Law Tsz-chun 24 games (15 starts), 1336 minutes, 2 goals, 2 assists, 3 yellows, 4.5/10

The full back deputised as captain early on, and chipped in offensively with his first goals for two years. Was clearly second choice to Bae in Cardoso's eyes, despite being dependable and versatile. His international career is probably over, having not been in a squad in a year and last playing in January 2024.

Welthon 19 games (13 starts), 1152 minutes, 9 goals, 2 assists, 2 yellows, 4.5/10

A big disappointment, coming in with big wages and a strong career record. He never hit the heights expected, with all of his nine goals coming against the bottom four sides in the league. Suffered a bad head injury at the end of February which effectively ended his season; he came back for two brief cameos but did not look himself and left the club in early May.

Helio 17 games (11 starts), 1111 minutes, 3 yellows, 1 red, 4/10

Club captain this year, personal reasons delayed his start, so he didn't play until mid-November. Looked his age at times, and most of our defeats came in games he started. A silly sending off against Tai Po ended his legendary Kitchee career after over two hundred games and a host of trophies. It remains to be seen what he will do next.

Ruslan Mingazow 15 games (11 starts), 976 minutes, 4 goals, 9 assists, 3 yellows, 1 red, 5.5/10

His thirteen goal contributions puts him only below Temirov and Machado despite playing less than half our games, as he was injured from January until May. His red card against Kowloon City probably cost us in the Senior Shield semi final that he was banned for. Not on Kitchee's published list of player departures on 1st June, but a cryptic Instagram post means he could still be on the move.

Cheng Chin-lung 21 games (6 starts), 742 minutes, 1 yellow, 4/10

Had a few surprising league starts (including the opening two games), but no goal contributions throughout the whole season was disappointing. Looked bright at times and if other players could finish may have had a couple of assists. Earned his first career yellow card after over a hundred Kitchee games. Was a key part in nurturing the young talents in the U22 side, who won the FA Cup.

Jay Haddow 11 games (7 starts), 634 minutes, 1 goal, 4 yellows, 4.5/10

An injury-ravaged season for his first as a professional, returning to his first club. Scored a surprising header against Eastern in the Sapling Cup. Showed his versatility, playing right back, centre back and holding midfield, and becoming a local player next season will help his playtime massively. After six months out in the middle of the season, he looked good in his few games back, but was not involved after getting injured again at the end of March.

Tan Chun-lok 10 games (9 starts), 626 minutes, 2 yellows, 4.5/10

The metronome of Kitchee's midfield, he was sorely missed during his six month absence, and when he came back for the final stages of the season we saw what we had been missing. We hope his injury woes are behind him and he pushes on next season, potentially as club captain. He will have ambitions of regaining his Hong Kong place, having not featured since September.

Chen Ngo-hin 17 games (6 starts), 621 minutes, 1 goal, 3 assists, 4.5/10

Rounded off the big win against Kowloon City with his first goal. He looked bright in cameos but not given enough opportunities, and when he got the chance he did not always deliver. Appears to be staying and will hope to continue his development, increasing his playtime. A useful player, he played both wings and in central midfield. Key part for U22 side.

The rest of the squad (unrated due to lack of minutes)

Poon Pui-hin 16 games, 411 mins (2 starts), 3 goals, 2 assists. Bit part player and seems certain to leave, with CSL club Changchun Yatai somehow linked. Wang Zhenpeng 4 games, 360 mins (4 starts). Able back up, whose experience in the dressing room will be crucial to a rebuild. Tuscany Shek 4 games, 360 mins (4 starts). The young goalkeeper continued to start in the Sapling Cup, and has been rewarded with caps for Hong Kong U20s. Still not 18 until December. Diego Bardanca 5 games, 308 mins (3 starts). Came with a solid reputation, unfortunately injuries and poor form played a part, although a popular figure in training, taking younger players under his wing.

Matthew Slattery 7 games, 194 mins (2 starts). Made a few more league cameos, but still chasing that elusive first senior goal Key part for Hong Kong’s youth U22 side. Jason Kam Chi-kin 2 games, 142 mins (1 start). Finally made his first league start in April, but very much a bench player. Need to see more next year. Li Siu-hin 1 game 90 mins (1 start). Looked assured and played a key role for the U22s successes. Wesley Chan 3 games (3 subs) 58 mins. Few short cameos in the Sapling Cup, he left to study in Australia and we are unsure of his future plans. Tom Yeung Cheuk-kwan 4 games 54 mins (4 subs). Four brief cameos off the bench, suffered with injuries throughout but hopefully he can kick on. Cheung Yiu-hin 1 game 45 mins (1 start). Only played a half, but looked solid- hopefully he can push on. Lam Pak-yin 1 game 45 mins (1 sub). Played a half off the bench in our final Sapling Cup game, hopefully we see more of him next campaign. Sohgo Ichikawa 1 game 10 mins (0 starts). Late sub in our season opener, soon loaned out to Southern (having a fantastic season), who he will join permanently this summer. Seb Buddle 2 games 9 mins (0 starts). Two short appearances, but a near permanent fixture on the bench, and played a big role for the U22s and the futsal side.

Coaching staff 4/10

Stubbornness in keeping with the same tactics and personnel despite this not being effective, and throughout the season the use of substitutions was poor. Two cup defeats only saw a combined three substitutions made despite a clear lack of cutting edge up front and tired legs further back. Younger fringe players like Chen Ngo-hin and Matthew Slattery only got regular opportunities when the chances of the title reduced to being virtually impossible, despite many players looking fatigued. Recruitment was poor, with a number of signings made towards the back end of the window (and Matheus Dantas in October). Six of the ten incomings have already left the club, and despite long term injuries to Jay Haddow and Tan Chun-lok, and a lack of potency in attack, no recruitment was done midseason. However, we cannot solely blame the coaching staff for this as the expensive contract handed to Kim Shin-wook by the club over two years ago still has over six months left to run and probably hindered further signings. 

Statistics

Most games: Sherzod Temirov 30 

Most minutes: Aaron Rey 2312 

Most goals: Sherzod Temirov 15 

Most assists: Ruslan Mingazow 9

Most yellow cards: Matheus Dantas 9

Most red cards: Leon Jones, Helio, Ruslan Mingazow, Jordan Lam 1

Angry Boundary Street awards (as voted by you the fans)

Player of the season: 1. Fernando 24.4% 2. Sherzod Temirov 22.2% 3. Ngan Cheuk-pan 11.1%

Best young player: 1. Chen Ngo-hin 57.8% 2. Jay Haddow 11.1% 3.= Tuscany Shek, Matthew Slattery, Tom Yeung Cheuk-kwan 8.9%

Best signing of the season: 1. Matheus Dantas 29.5% 2. Aaron Rey 27.3% 3. Fynn Talley 13.6%

Most disappointing signing of the season: 1.= Welthon and Luis Machado 25% 3. Diego Bardanca 20.5%

Goal of the season 1. Juninho vs Kowloon City 22.2% 2. Juninho vs Southern 20% 3. Fernando vs Tai Po 17.8%

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Photo credits this season

Inmediahk

Sportsroad

 On tv 

 HKFA

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Jarly

Written by Adam O'Domhnaill and Samuel C

A penalty a piece splits the points on the final day- Eastern 1 Kitchee 1

Credits to HKFA

A very dull game to finish a disappointing season. Very few clearcut chances from either side, before penalties in the closing stages from Temirov and Baffoe gave each side a point.

Team news

Jay Haddow remained injured, but did train for the first time in two months this week, while Helio was denied a farewell after his red card last week. Bae Jae-woo missed out, with Kitchee bizarrely having three goalkeepers (including two foreigners) on the bench for the final game of the season.

Credits to HKFA

Kitchee started five players involved in the U22 FA Cup win on Wednesday night, and made four changes to the side from last week's defeat. Wang and Mingazow made their first starts in four months, while Leon returned from suspension to start for the first time since late March, having been sent off after coming on in his last appearance. Law Tsz-chun made his first start since Kitchee were humbled 4-0 by Lee Man in mid April. The four came in for Talley, Bae, Helio and Fernando (who had started 15 of Kitchee's last 16 games- only missing the Sapling Cup through international duty). Tom Yeung's second half cameo was his first minutes for the senior side since December, while Poon Pui-hin's was his longest since seemingly becoming a scapegoat for the collapse at home to Kowloon City at the end of February.

Credits to HKFA

Wang; Law (Ngan 46), Leon, Dantas, Jordan; Rey, Lok (c) (Yeung 76), Juninho (Fernando 46); Mingazow (Poon 76), Temirov (Slattery 76), Machado

Unused subs: Lung, Enikar, Hin, Buddle, Tuscany, Talley, Jason

Match highlights

Credits to HKFA

There was a strange atmosphere as most 'neutrals' took up camp at either Tai Po or Tsing Yi as the battle for the league went down to the last day. The 787 spectators at Mong Kok were 'treated' to a fairly dull affair. Machado blazed over after a mazy run, and Mingazow also went close. Bertomeu hit one over the bar for Eastern, and the first half ended 0-0.

Credits to on.cc

Half time saw another Kitchee double change, with Law and Juninho withdrawn for Fernando and Ngan Cheuk-pan. Lee Chun-ting missed a great chance as Wang closed him down. Rey was taken down in the box with 20 minutes left (there was no VAR to double check as the HKFA's resources did not stretch for four stadiums to use it at once). Temirov converted on what is set to be his last game in a Kitchee shirt, with the club paying tribute to departing captain Helio. Some symmetry as Temirov had opened our account for the season with a penalty against North District nearly nine months ago, and his penalty was our final goal of the campaign. Soon afterwards, a triple change saw Temirov, Mingazow and Tan Chun-lok replaced by Poon, Slattery and perhaps surprisingly striker Tom Yeung, who became our third right back of the day, with Ngan moving into midfield. Leon hauled down Baffoe with barely 5 minutes remaining, and Baffoe converted to secure the golden boot. In the end a draw was probably a fair result from two teams hoping for more next season in the league. 

Fan feedback

Credits to on.cc

This season has been tumultuous, with a lot of fan anger in the stands. Kitchee finish the league season with a second consecutive fourth place finish, and a mass exodus of players and staff is expected again. We would be very surprised if many of those starting on Sunday are still here when the 2025/26 season comes around. Same old story with a lack of clearcut chances and a clinical striker- this has surely got to be addressed in the summer, and it was strange to see a bench of twelve named featuring three goalkeepers- Bae Jae-woo was left out and looks to be leaving, but why not give a few of the youngsters a taste of a first team matchday? 

What's next

Credits to on.cc

That's Kitchee's season done until the end of August. Hong Kong play Manchester United, Nepal, and India, all in the next few weeks. Hong Kong's final squad for Manchester United is confirmed with six Kitchee players included- Leon Jones, Helio, Tan Chun-lok, Fernando, Ngan Cheuk-pan and Juninho, who will hope to be included for the more competitive fixtures afterwards. Hong Kong's youth teams also play in June, and we have a number of representatives in the preliminary squads- Jason Kam, Chen Ngo-hin and Matthew Slattery have all been called up for the U22s, while Tuscany Shek, Chan Yin-hei, Lam Pak-yin, Sin Wai-kiu, Li Siu-hin and Yiu Tsz-leong have been called up to the U20s. Chan Shing-chun and Tom Yeung Cheuk-kwan have been called up for both preliminary squads at this stage.

Credits to on.cc

Club captain Helio confirmed his departure, with him being applauded in the 5th minute to celebrate his contribution of eleven years and 225 Kitchee games with the club, with six league titles, five Hong Kong cups, four Senior Shields and one Sapling Cup. We wish him and all our other departures all the best in their next steps- we expect the club to announce departures this week. It has been known for a while that head coach Edgar Cardoso is also departing, and according to SCMP, chairman Ken Ng hopes to confirm and reveal the new manager in early June. We understand Kitchee have more or less confirmed the signing of Kendy from North District; to join Callum Beattie and probably around ten other new signings.

Credits to on.cc

That's the end of our match reports for the season, but stay tuned for our end of season review, transfer information and news of international action, and potentially an interview or two.

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Match highlights

Sixth league defeat of the season as Helio sees red- Kitchee 0 Tai Po 1

Kitchee's final home game ended in defeat. A scrappy game in front of a huge crowd saw Tai Po take the lead just before half time. Kitchee never really looked to equalising, a task that became harder when Helio was sent off with twenty minutes to go, in what could be his 225th and final Kitchee appearance.

Team news

Credit to Sportsroad

Jay Haddow remained out injured, with Leon Jones and Ngan Cheuk-pan both suspended. Tan Chun-lok made his first start since November, and Aaron Rey came in with Chen Ngo-hin dropping to the bench. Poon came on for his first appearance since late February.

Talley; Bae (Mingazow 46), Helio (c), Dantas, Jordan; Rey, Lok (Law 46), Fernando, Juninho (Lung 78), Temirov, Machado (Poon 78)

Unused subs: Wang, Hin, Slattery, Yeung, Jason

Match highlights

Credit to Sportsroad

Former Kitchee striker Lucas Silva went close twice early on; one effort just going wide and the other being saved by Talley. Talley later recovered to push the ball away from the big Brazilian after misjudging a long ball. Just before half time poor Kitchee defending allowed Renner to leap unopposed to flick it on for Law Chun-ting to fire goalwards; after initially being denied by Talley he tapped the rebound in.

Cardoso made a double change at half time, with Bae Jae-woo and Tan Chun-lok coming off for Law Tsz-chun and Ruslan Mingazow. This move saw Mingazow move to the right wing, and Juninho coming into midfield. Juninho had an effort deflected out for a corner, and a long ball over the top from Dantas found Mingazow, but Tai Po managed to clear. Renner almost doubled Tai Po's advantage, before Machado hit the bar with a great effort. Then some controversy. After a Kitchee set piece broke down, Juninho passed to Helio, who was taken out by a very poor tackle from behind, where the offender made no effort to get the ball. To the amazement of the Kitchee fanbase, this was not reviewed by VAR, despite the force taking off Helio's shinpad and leaving him in pain. When he got up he was clearly still aggrieved, sarcastically applauding the referee's decision and being shown a second yellow card for dissent, leaving us down to ten for the final twenty minutes. Talley denied Igor, before Rey went close, and the game ended 1-0 to Tai Po, dragging their title race into the final day.

Fans feedback

Credit to Sportroad

A lot of the same issues for Kitchee, with a lack of shots- it took a while for the first shot on target, and most of Kitchee's efforts were wayward and from distance. Tan Chun-lok offered a lot of composure in midfield and we looked better- what could have been if he hadn't been on the sidelines for so long? Understandably he was withdrawn at half time, having only played a few minutes last time out, and still getting up to full fitness. Talley was solid again, and once again cannot be blamed for the goal, where Dantas got caught in two minds. The refereeing was inconsistent; after not giving a foul for an elbow on Juninho he then proceeded to give a number of similar and weaker fouls Tai Po's way. Helio's sending off was stupid, but if the officiating team did their job and actually reviewed a poor challenge, there would not have been the reaction. But by no means did we lose because of the red card or general poor officiating. Kitchee were fairly lacklustre throughout, and we go into the final game hoping for a reaction in what will likely be the last games for a number of players. Tai Po inflicted our sixth league defeat of the season, our most since 2007/08.

What's next for Kitchee

Credit to inmediahk

One game left, 'away' to Eastern on the 25th, 3pm at Mong Kok. A chance to end the season on a high by beating our rivals. Callum Beattie's pre-contract agreement to join us from HKFC has been finalised, and will likely play left back for us. He is currently waiting on his Hong Kong passport, and hopefully the bureaucratic process is swift for both him and Jay Haddow so they can play as local players next season. Those at the ground for our recent victory over Rangers will have noticed a current HKPL player in the crowd talking to Kitchee fans, players and staff following the match, and we understand his move is close to being confirmed.

Hong Kong play Manchester United in an exhibition game at the end of the month, before a friendly against Nepal and the Asian Cup qualifier against India. Kitchee are represented by seven players in the 37 man preliminary squad, with Leon Jones, Helio, Poon Pui-hin, Tan Chun-lok, Fernando, Ngan Cheuk-pan and Juninho called up.

With the end of the season drawing near we have seen former Kitchee players Jakob Jantscher and Ju Yingzhi announce their retirements, and we wish them the best in the post-playing careers. 

Photo credits

Inmediahk

Sportsroad

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Match highlights

Temirov's tap in gives Kitchee three points in the heat- Rangers 0 Kitchee 1

Written by Adam O'Domhnaill

Summary

On a hot day in Tsing Yi, Kitchee emerged victorious. A drab first half saw both teams have chances, before Temirov broke the deadlock midway through the second half. Substitute Leon Jones saw red late on, but Kitchee saw out the win, with welcome returns off the bench for long term absentees Tan Chun-lok and Ruslan Mingazow.

Team news

Law Tsz-chun and Jay Haddow remained out injured, with Welthon missing from the squad again. But there was a return to the matchday squad for Tan Chun-lok and Ruslan Mingazow after longterm injuries, as well as Poon Pui-hin. Aaron Rey and Jason Kam dropped to the bench with club captain Helio and Chen Ngo-hin coming in. This prompted a slight reshuffle, with Fernando moving into central midfield, Machado on the left and Hin on the right. Lok and Mingazow came on in the second half, much to the delight of fans, who were also left wondering what the season would have looked like if both were available more this campaign.

Talley; Bae, Helio (c) (Leon 84), Dantas, Jordan; Hin (Mingazow 68), Ngan (Lung 68), Fernando (c), Machado; Juninho (Lok 84), Temirov (Slattery 84) 

Unused subs: Wang, Rey, Buddle, Tuscany, Yeung, Jason

Match highlights

On a hot day, less than four hundred fans were in attendance, with a number of HKPL casual fans opting to head to HKFC. Dantas played a ball over the top, but Temirov was denied by Oleksiy in the Rangers net, before Fernando went close with a freekick. Kitchee's obsession with playing out from the back caused problems yet again; Dantas dawdled in possession, with Lau Chi-lok taking advantage to break free. Dantas fouled him while going for the ball, and a penalty and a yellow card was given. But after a lengthy VAR check, the decision was overturned, and Kitchee got away with one. Talley then pulled off a great save to deny Lau Chi-lok, and Kitchee went in at half time 0-0.

The second half started with Talley denying former Kitchee academy graduate Aki, before Kitchee started to come to life. A clever corner routine saw Hin dummy over Machado's ball to Juninho on the edge of the box, who found Ngan, but his header was saved. Some nice linkup in midfield gave Hin the ball on the right hand side. After the initial cross was dealt with, it popped back to the youngster, who played it across for Temirov to tap in, scoring on his 50th appearance like Juninho last week. Soon afterwards Ruslan Mingazow came on for his first game in over a hundred days. Machado and Juninho went close to doubling the lead, as did Temirov from a freekick. As the game came towards a close Kitchee made a triple change; amongst them Leon Jones returning from injury after a month, and Tan Chun-lok returning after six months out. Moments later Leon was barged off the ball by Lau Chi-lok, and hauled him down. With no effort to play the ball, he was sent off and Rangers had a freekick in a dangerous area. The freekick was dealt with, and Kitchee held on for the win, with Lok filling in at centre back.

Fans feedback

Tsing Yi is a terrible pitch, and the ball was getting stuck in the turf. Add the heat into the equation and it is natural that it was a far from perfect performance, but Kitchee held on for the win. After the longterm absences of Mingazow and Tan Chun-lok it was great to see both return. The yellow card for Ngan Cheuk-pan (his fifth of the season) and Leon's red card means both are banned for Tai Po in two weeks time. Kitchee showed glimpses of good football against a resolute defence, but allowed Rangers too many shots.

Tactically we saw a number of defensive mishaps leading to chances, with Dantas lucky to have a penalty overturned, and Leon was sent off. The team were slow to get back and cover, and were grateful to Talley for pulling off a number of good saves, and securing his sixth clean sheet of the season. The young goalkeeper has kept Kitchee in multiple games this season, and meant our defeats have been less severe; alongside Dantas and Fernando he is probably our player of the season, after taking some time to bed in initially. We were slow to get shots off, but the poor pitch and heat played a part, making it was inevitable that our goal was a tap in. In a game that offered little, Chen Ngo-hin was awarded man of the match after his assist.

As we move into the closing stages of the season it seems apparent a number of players will not have their contracts renewed, and another rebuild beckons. We've seen two standout players from lower teams in the league in the stands in recent weeks, along with other players being linked (although from sources of varying reliability). On this page we regularly criticise manager Edgar Cardoso and chairman Ken Ng, but fans were grateful to have the opportunity to chat to them post-match yesterday. While a number of fans would have appreciated this earlier in the season, we have to say fair play given the animosity shown towards them regularly, being willing to hear us out and acknowledging mistakes. Hopefully we can finish off the season with two wins.

What's next for Kitchee

We have two games of the season left, both at Mong Kok Stadium. First up is Tai Po at home on the 17th, before we 'travel' to Eastern on the 25th. Another rumoured Kitchee signing was in the crowd at Tsing Yi, and as the weeks roll on we expect to hear more concrete news on them as well as other possible signings. On the departures front, Sohgo Ichikawa will join Southern in the summer after spending the last two seasons on loan there, and we wish him the best.

Match highlights

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