Thailand preseason- 2 ins, 2 outs, 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss

Jordi Tarres- credits Kitchee

Before Kitchee embarked on their tour to Thailand, it was announced that legendary former striker Jordi Tarres will join the Kitchee setup as Technical Director. The Spaniard, who naturalised to become a Hong Kong international in 2017, played nearly 200 games in nine years with us, becoming our club record goalscorer in the process. He joins us following a four year spell as Lee Man assistant manager, having finished his playing career there. Igor Sartori's contract was terminated after eighteen months at the club, with the Brazilian winger returning to Tai Po. He never seemed to settle at Kitchee, but was also rarely used in his preferred left wing position.

Bae Jae-woo- credits Kitchee

Prior to the first game , Korean utility man Bae Jae-woo (formerly of Jeju United and Ulsan Hyundai) was included on the subs bench while on trial. Kitchee beat second tier Police Tero, where a goal from young winger Chen Ngo-hin was enough to seal victory. In the second game, against Port FC, Bae Jae-woo put Kitchee ahead in the first half, before Port replied in the second half, meaning the game ended in a draw.

The day after the Port game, Kitchee confirmed the signing of Brazilian striker Welthon, joining from Portuguese second division club Torreense. The thirty two year old has played all his career in Brazil and Portugal, previously featuring for Portugese top division sides Pacos de Ferreira and Vitoria SC. He scored ten goals in twenty-seven games last season, and comes in to take the number nine shirt from Kim Shin-wook, who remains on our books but did not travel to Thailand. Bae Jae-woo was officially announced as a Kitchee player on the 26th, becoming our eighth new signing of the summer. Young midfielder Jason Yuen Chun-him has left the club and moved to Spain, joining CF Amposta U19 on loan, in the 7th tier.

Credits Kitchee

The third game against BGPU saw Sherzod Temirov give Kitchee a first half lead, capitalising on some poor defending, before BGPU drew level almost immediately, as Kitchee failed to defend a set piece. Early into the second half Jay Haddow was harshly sent off, seemingly for dissent following a challenge (although the rules of the friendly meant Kitchee could bring on Jason Kam and remain with eleven men), and BGPU took the lead soon afterwards. Jordan Lam was adjudged to have handled in the box, and Teerasil Dangda completed his hat trick from the penalty spot. Luis Machado went close to pulling one back with ten minutes left, curling an effort onto the post. We saw new signing Welthon come on for the closing exchanges as well. A 3-1 defeat after taking the lead, but a valiant effort from Kitchee. The squad will return to Hong Kong soon, and prepare for the final preseason action against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid on the 7th August. Ticket information.

Written by Adam O'Domhnaill

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