Pontus Fem

After two and a bit seasons undertaking my normal game style, I decided to try something different and add a truly amateur manager to my game and see what would happen. I loaded up a who host of new leagues to me, and waited to see what would come his way.

I decided to go with a Swedish manager called Pontus Fem. Pontus means “sea bridge”, which feels fitting for a man who will make a career of travelling the world, and “Fem” is Swedish for “five”. After a huge wait, I finally managed to get an interview and a job offer from…

South China Athletic Association of Hong Kong. Turns out they might just be of the most successful teams in Hong Kong having won the First Division 40 times in their history. It's been 12 years since the FA rearranged the top flight in Hong Kong, and South China haven't won the new iteration of the BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League. We've won the Challenge Shield a record 30 times, and the FA Cup 10 times. But our aim is to do something that has never been done…win the AFC Champions League.

My first request is for the board to agree to fund a coaching badge for me. It's a hard no, and I'm too scared to argue in case it costs me a job I've waited months for. I have a one year contract, and I don't want to give the board any excuse to turn it into a ten minute deal. The club is a blank slate, as there are just two members of staff on the books…me, and the chairman. It's a squeeze in our joint office, but I'm hoping we'll get on well. I have just six days from starting at the club before our first league game, and a huge amount of work to do.

The first team squad is…a squad. I make my first addition in the form of Luke Mitchel on trial. Beyond that, I might need some investment.

Luckily for me, the chairman has given me a little bit of money to spend. £460k feels like a good budget for the league, and an extra £2.5k a week in wages to play with. 

Ideally, I need to hire a whole backroom staff, and sign a couple of decent players to ensure we mount a challenge for the league. Anything other than the title means no AFC Champions League football. That being said, a second or third placed finish would mean a go at the AFC Cup…and the challenge of adding both of the continental competitions on my way around the world is a little appealing. I plan on trying to ensure I use as many local players as possible, so let's see what happens. I immediately throw out job adverts for coaches, an assistant manager, scouts, physios, tea ladies, a dog…anyone I can get my hands on really. 

Thankfully, my first game in charge ends up being a 4-1 victory over North District FC (who are predicted to finish 11th out of 12 teams) gets us off to a good start. I'm not Guardiola, so I play safe with a formation I've used for over a decade in game (obviously the 4-2-3-1) and it works well enough.

I think I might make Au Man Lok the captain and sign him wherever I go, because it might just be the best name I've seen in game since Yaya Banana.

I complete Luke Mitchel on a free transfer, and he instantly becomes the best player at the club. A dual nationality player, holding both New Zealand and Hong Kong passports, so I'm happy enough to consider him one of our own already. 

He did demand a £34,500 release clause in his contract…so I am a little concerned about what might happen. But, future Fem can worry about that. Back to the drawing board, and back to focusing on building the club from nothing.

Fem, out (for now).

Challenge One - Staffing

As mentioned, I am currently the sole member of staff at the club. I'm running around sorting training, washing the kits, giving the players a rub down, and sorting the coach travel for the next game. It's a ghost town here.

The biggest issue I have is that trying to trawl through the transfer market is difficult because I can't filter my search by those who are unrealistic targets. I know not to approach a certain caliber of player, but I'm being rejected by almost everyone I look at. Even Hong Kong physios who are unemployed aren't interested. I'm beginning to wonder whether I need to change my toothpaste…

Throw in the other big issue around training and player development. Really I need to build the squad up, and without enough staff training is ineffective, and without a medical team injuries will be an issue.

Challenge Two - Youth Squad

I have no issue with the youth team here. That is to say, I have no issues as I have no players. I need to find time between now (late August 2026) and October 5th 2026 to add some quality to my first team AND try to find a few decent young prospects I can sign up to build a youth team up. All of a sudden that transfer budget feels like it might be a little tight. I'd originally planned on trying to put most of the budget into the wages, and sign up some free transfers. Instead, I'm going to have to free up wages from the squad by getting rid of deadwood (which always feels harder when you need to do it) and hope I can pull some bunnies our of the proverbial hat.

September Arrives

As the days roll into weeks, South China remains largely a lonely place. We win game two against Woofoo Tai Po thanks to a loan goal from Shiu Tsz Long midway through the first half, and find ourselves in third place. We are predicted to finish 8th in the league, and a 150-1 shot to win the title. Apparently, I'm not allowed to bet my entire transfer budget on us winning it, even when I point out what the £6m could do for the club. I begin to feel like Jack Torrence sat around in my office on my own talking to myself, and decide to act before I go mad.

Desperate to get staff in place, I feel like I've approached almost every person I can find. The adverts placed for staff draw little interest. Not one applicant for the coaching or fitness coaching jobs is disappointing. An offer is made to a Head of Youth development until the end of the season, and an offer is extended to add a Sports Scientist to the medical team. 

I do stumble across a candidate for the Assistant Manager job in Lau Chun Chung. He's got a few reasonable skills, especially when compared to some of the assistant managers across the league. He'll do until the end of the season.

Now the canteen has a few more faces in it, I can begin to think about recruitment. I still need more staff, but as the club has decided to run both a reserve and an Under 18 team, and I have just one player on the books for both, I do need to try and find a few players to bolster those squads. I begin by looking in the free agent market. There really are so few Hong Kong players available on free deals, so before I start looking to dust off the club credit card, I begin to search for other nations in the region who might have some players. A quick call around leads me to the doorstep of the Supreme Leader, and a small batch of unattached North Korean players. Trials are offered, and accepted. Now, I just need some staff to help me evaluate them. A further seven trials are offered to some Hong Kong players on amateur contracts, but all are rejected. I even try to approach a real life friend to sign for us…sadly, it ends our friendship when he rejects me.

We make an offer to add a goalkeeping coach to the staff, and before we find out if he accepts or not, we face Southern District Recreation & Sports Association in game week three. The bookies favourite for the title, Kitchee, find themselves in 6th place and face current league leaders Hong Kong FC. We take an early lead when Cheung Lik Hang scores in the 14th minute, before Leung Chong Yip adds a second just three minutes later. Things do take a turn around the half hour mark when Cheung Wai Fung picks up his second yellow of the game. This doesn't hold us back, and almost instantly we make it 3-0 when my right back comes out of nowhere to smash it home from the edge of the area. As I discuss with the one other person on the bench about what we should do, we pick up our fourth yellow of the game inside 35 minutes. I remind the AssMan to warn to players to calm down, and we decide to make a slight change to the tactics. We are pegged back just after the hour and a consolation goal is scored in the 91st minute to make it 3-2, but it isn't enough and we jump up to second in the league behind Hong Kong FC (who have beaten Kitchee). 

Obviously we have some talent in the squad, but we lack quality and depth. A better quality striker is an urgent need, and some steel in defense is something we need to consider. We are allowed up to six foreign players in the match day squad, so it might be time to look at what is out there and who might be interested in signing for us. Whether you consider it frugal or sensible is a subjective choice, but loans and free agents are the preferred choice. I can't help but feel a chunk of the transfer budget will be needed to increase our wages on offer, and we might still need to replace a significant number of players. 

We have just two days until we play our fourth league game. A quick glance across the transfer screen, and I pick a few players to throw bids in for players who all look like they can replace their count parts in my team. Eastern District have a Brazilian defender called Victor Balduino, Happy Valley have a veteran defender called Brian Fok, and Hong Kong FC have an English fullback called Rory Lonergan. Fok is offered a trial, whereas Balduino and Lonergan are offered contracts on free transfers. A defensive midfielder called Amadou Parfait is offered a trial, and a contract is offered to Sint Maarten striker Jean-Jacques Craane. 

Will these players add the required depth to make a challenge for the title? Or will they struggle to find their form? Only time will tell. 

For now, Fem out.

Club Development

After a busy few days, the plans for the club seem to be developing. Thanks to the arrival of my new right-hand man searching for staff and players has become a huge amount easier. Which is great news for us. Offers are thrown out left, right and center in the hopes of adding more depth to the club and more faces around the training ground. Fairly soon the staff team has grown again, and I have added the following faces to my backroom team:

Perhaps most impressively there's enough of us for a monthly staff meeting! I can't believe I have got excited at that prospect…

Anyway, we have our first big challenge on the horizon. The arrival of arguably the biggest team in the league and the favourites for the title, Kitchee. They've won 10 of the last 15 league titles, but find themselves out of form and in mid-table with 4 points from 3 games. If ever the verb FMed was appropriate, it is for a game like this.

Thankfully for us, we are able to complete the signing of Jean-Jacques Craane in time to register him for the game. The squad desperately needed some quality upfront if we were to mount an assault on the top of the league, and hopefully Craane might just be able to kick on for us. He won't start against Kitchee, but he will feature at some point.

We make one (enforced) change due to the red card in the previous game, and head into game week four knowing a win will keep us level on points with Hong Kong FC at the top of the table. 

It's a very close first half, with not much between the two sides. Our striker takes a knock early on in the half, but we continue with him as we want to ease Craane in. There are some tired bodies out there, and changes will be made at the break. But, just before half-time, a clearance from the Kitchee keeper is launched towards the half-way line, and headed into the path of Leung Chong Yip on the wing by Mitchell…Yip carries it forward ten yards and unleashes a shot with the outside of his right foot…which flies into the top corner! And we go in ahead by one! And after a fairly balanced second half, South China are able to hold onto the single goal lead and take all three points. Craane does make his debut, but fails to impress getting a 6.4 match rating. Hopefully we will see more from him soon. 

Wake Me Up When September Ends

The month of September continues to bring much change to South China. More new faces come through the door players joining the club as we look to add quality to the team. It will be a new look back-four having added a new goalkeeper in the form of Chin Siu Sum, fullback Rory Lonergan, and central defenders Victor Balduino and Jordan Doherty, as well as a hugely talented Mexican midfielder Alberto Rodriguez. 

Game week five sees a trip to Lee Man on the cards, and we hand out three full debuts and a first start for Craane. It becomes a very long day for the team that find themselves in 12th place as our unbeaten march continues with a 5-0 win, extending our run to five wins in a row. 

Game week six sees a battle at the top, as 2nd played 3rd place, with us hosting Hong Kong FC. New signing Amadou Parfait is ruled out as is left back Shiu Tsz Long. It's a difficult start for South China, as HKFC are awarded a penalty in the 11th minute and we find ourselves behind for the first time this season. But, on the stroke of half-time, we strike back. A great free kick routine as Hara plays it short to Craane on the edge of the box who curls one into the top corner from 18 yards out. Craane doubles the lead in the 52nd minute, with a real poachers effort, but it doesn't take long for HKFC to equalise after a mazy run and clipped cross is headed home. It ends 2-2 in a fairly balanced game, and we remain a point behind Biu Chun Rangers, but with a game in hand. 

As the month comes it's penultimate week, the board allow us to appoint a new scout and another fitness coach, and then disaster strikes. Our star winger, Kenta Hara, is ruled out for between 6 and 7 weeks with a hernia. We have twelve days before the window closes, and might be forced to delve into the market for a replacement. There's one match left in September (a Sapling Cup Group B game against Kitchee), before a run of four games in seventeen days. Amadou Parfait has taken another minor knock and is unlikely to face Kitchee either as the injury list grows. 

With October looming, a decent run of form in the league, and now two further competitions and opportunities for success, decisions need to be made. Success in the cup tournaments will mean some prize money and (more importantly) padding out my CV, which will give me more bargaining power with the board and hopefully the ability to request a coaching badge. But a good league run is essential to qualification for the AFC Continental competitions.

A Wild Run

Twenty-nine days. Six games. Three competitions. A real make it or break it period for us, especially with the transfer window closing in a matter of days.

Game One (26th September 2026) - South China vs. Kitchee (Sapling Cup Group B)

The first of our games and a number of enforced changes. The competition requires three Under 22 players in the starting XI at all times. Throw in the injuries we are facing, and we are forced to make four changes. Kitchee remain one of the biggest clubs in Hong Kong, and the first half of the game is tight and ends 0-0. However, in the second half, the floodgates open and our dominance pays off. The game finishes 4-0, with Luke Mitchell getting his first two goals for the club. A really unexpected win, and a dominant performance. Just what we need!

Back to the drawing board as we continue preparations. We desperately need competition at right back, and one of our scouts suggests Yeung Hin Lok. The report claims he's better than our current starting right back, and worlds ahead of our next best. What's more, he knows the club having come through the ranks at South China. We decide it's time to bring him home, and throw down a bid of £9.5k for him, which is promptly accepted by his club. The contract is signed, sealed, delivered, and he joins the club. We make offers on several more players in our scramble to add depth and quality in depth to the team, including a really bright looking Brazilian attacker. We add a versatile Hong Kong midfielder and winger, and can finally move some of the deadwood out of the first team. And we also see Craane named player of the month, and three of our lads picked for the team of the month too. We complete the final few transfers for the targets we identify, and welcome to the Shaolin Temple Brazilian attacker Joabe Brito, who looks like he could go on to become a very tasty player for us. And with that, the transfer window slams shut.

Game Two (7th October 2026) - South China vs. Wofoo Tai Po (Hong Kong Senior Challenge Shield First Round)

On the eve of this game one of our young central defenders gets injured in a reserve game, and will be out for around 3 weeks, which is not ideal 24 hours after the window closes. Alas, we move on. We need to ring the changes to prevent further injuries, so we make four changes (including two full debuts) to the XI and give Craane a rest. Whilst we wait for Lonergan to learn some Cantonese, we can only field 11 subs out of 12 due to the restrictions on foreign players. The assistant manager suggests going for the jugular, and I am only too happy to oblige. After 22 minutes we are awarded a penalty, and Rodriguez converts to give us the lead with his first ever goal for us. And, in first-half stoppage time, Wofoo fail to clear a corner properly, and the ball is squared to Tasaka who finishes first-time from the edge of the box to give us a 2-0 lead into half-time. The bullet of a volley is a welcome sight! We make three changes to provide further rests to important players, and then give further minutes to players returning from injury. Brito has a goal disallowed after being flagged for offside just before the hour and, despite our dominance, the game ends just 2-0. One of our debutants also picks up a knock that might keep him our for two weeks, and I head back to my office to scream into a cushion.

Game Three (10th October 2026) - North District vs. South China (Sapling Cup Group B)

It has been two days since our last game, and despite the momentum behind us, the injuries are starting to creep in. The Sapling Cup dictates we must have no more than six foreign players (standard across most competitions in Hong Kong) and a minimum of three under-22 Hong Kong players in the starting XI at any given time. Thankfully, we have a couple of reasonable younger players who can step in. Three changes in defence, three in midfield, and a striker swap are made to try and keep the squad fresh and competitive. 

We come into the game topping our group, but North District are in second place on goal difference. It looks to be a tight game. That is…until the 4th minute. New Brazilian forward Brito swings a corner in, defender Jordan Doherty (our only Hong Kong Under-20 international) heads it goalwards, and it is poked home by new boy Yeung Hin Lok.  On 30 minutes, youth teamer Jon Futcher (another Hong Kong native) breaks into the box, finds Brito, who finishes for his first goal. Hopefully of many. We score another well worked team goal in the 72nd minute, before Brito added a fourth literally 30 seconds later, after we immediately dispossessed North District from the kick off.  And it proved important too, after reports came in of Hong Kong FC having put five goals past Wofoo Tai Po. The top of this group may well be decided on goal difference, and that fourth gave us the edge back as we clung onto first place with our fingertips. We didn't have to fret for too long, as another first goal was secured in the 80th minute, with Yue Yixing heading home our fifth of the day. North District do claw back a consolation goal after 85 minutes after some lapsed defending, but the game ends comfortably at 1-5. 

Game Four (15th October 2026) - Central & Western District vs. South China (HKFA Cup First Round)

The board have rejected my request for a coaching course, citing a fear I might be snapped up by a bigger club. No drama, but I am determined to get some kind of coaching badge soon. We make it to the 15th relatively unscathed, but Joabe Brito is ruled out with a groin strain for the next three or four weeks. We still have five other players ruled out with injuries, and a league game in less than 48 hours, so squad management is key. We make eleven changes, and hope for the best. C&W are on a horrible run, having lost eight and drawn one game this season. But, we all know how those runs tend to go in FM…

Sure enough, the FM Gods are keeping an eye on this game. After 12 minutes C&W strike first, heading home a deep cross and taking the lead. Thankfully, the team that has conceded 30 goals in 9 games continued to have a leaky defence, and we equalise in the 27th minute. And that's how the game ends, and we get the last thing we need…30 more minutes of football. We throw caution to the wind, and throw on Craane for the second half of extra-time as it is still 1-1. We score after 50 seconds, and have a nervy few minutes trying to see out the game. Chong Yip adds a third, before wrapping up a hat-trick and giving us a 4-1 win. We get the result, but at what cost?

Game Five (17th October 2026) - South China vs. Biu Chun Rovers (BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League)

A top of the table clash as we welcome current league leaders Biu Chun Rovers to the Hong Kong Stadium. They have a point advantage, but we have a game in hand. A positive result here would keep our hopes of AFC CL football alive. We go with the strongest line up we have, and hope our good form can continue.

BCR strike first, and take the lead in the 11th minute. It takes a bit of magic from Japanese midfielder Takuya Tasaka, who equalises from 20 yards out less than ten minutes later with his third of the season, and the game is back on level footing. And the magic continues, when BCR re-take the lead thanks to a wonderful striker from Ferro, and the first-half ends 2-1 to the league leaders. We might be edging the stats, but they lead in the only stat that actually matters. We continue to play good football and press for a second, but BCR's backline seems to be up to the challenge. As things stand, they now have a four point lead over us, and we've dropped into third place. The frustration is palpable. In the 81st minute, we see a beautiful move with Mitchell being put through on the edge of the box and his cross to the back post finds Cheung Lik Hang who slides it home. However, the assistant has his flag up and the goal is chalked out for offside. The referee is called over to the VAR screen, and we begin to make peace with the fact it might not be our day. But, the referee turns around…AND AWARDS THE GOAL! WE ARE BACK IN IT! If I'm honest, I think he might be offside, but I am not challenging the call! It gives us a vital point in this busy October run, and keeps us in the fight, and we extend our unbeaten run to seven games.

Game Six (24th October 2026) - Hong Kong U23s vs. South China (BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League)

The lord giveth, and the lord taketh away. One player returns to full training, and we lose two more. New keeper Chin Siu Sum will miss four days with food poisoning, and new fullback Yeung Hin Lok is ruled out for three weeks with a pulled back muscle. Sum might be back in time for the game, but who knows what state he'll be in? Still, the good news continues as two more players return to full training for us in the buildup to the next game, and we have more options available to us. 

We make a couple of enforced changes, and head into our eighth game of the season. This is our game in hand, and we trail by a point, so a win will see us take top spot. And we take the lead just before half-time thanks to a curling shot from Jordan Akrigg. The former Marine lad gives us an important lead. And it's that man again deep into the second half, who finds the run of Lonergan who finds the net from a tight angle, and extends our lead, and gives us the win. We are top of the league! And an excellent performance from the 18-year old Englishman. And that win also extends our unbeaten record to twelve games in all competitions. 

Game Seven (31st October 2026) - Hong Kong U23s vs. South China (Hong Kong Senior Challenge Shield Quarter Final)

Deja vu, anyone? Our preparations are rocked by a falling out between the management and Luke Mitchell after his contract extension clause is triggered. Evidently, despite being top of the league and still in all the cup competitions, the 20-year old midfielder is desperate to win trophies and doesn't think it will happen here. We try and persuade him, even promising the league title this year…no mas. Well, Pontus Fem does not give a single, solitary toss what Luke Mitchell thinks, and he'll either force his way out for the release clause in his contract (I hope not) or he'll be forced to come round. A few games on the bench might make him see sense. This blow is softened by the return of (probably) our best player in Kenta Hara, who resumes full training just in time to remind Mitchell he might not be as important as he thinks he is. Bugger. A Japanese third division team has offered Hara a contract and the chance to return to Japan. I don't fancy my chances at keeping him, and he won't negotiate a new deal. Maybe I will need to share a slice of humble pie with Mitchell after all…? Either way, I dispatch a scout to look at Matt Orr who is currently a free agent, and a Hong Kong international, to see whether he might be financially viable.

The final game of the month is on the horizon. It's been a mixed bag off the field, but a cracking month of results. Who knows how October will finish. Let's hope it brings some positivity. 

NOVEMBER HAS COME

The final days of October are a mixed bag. We finally find a sports scientist to help support the Under 23 squad, which hopefully should help with some of the injury problems we've had. The board agree that our youth facilities (currently rated 3) need investment, and commit to a £250k upgrade, to be completed by March 2027. Huge for us and a testament to the commitment of the board, especially as the club is only valued at £2.08k. However, Kenta Hara has agreed to return to Japan on a free transfer. It's a blow, but at 30 years-old I don't begrudge him the move. I just regret not realising the state of his contract sooner. It does prompt us to negotiate a new deal for our backup keeper, who was previously on an amateur contract, just to tie him in and to avoid a repeat of the Kenta saga. 

We agree to take a young Uruguayan defender on trial who we have been looking at few a while. Limitations in the squad with the number of foreign players meant we've held back, but with the move for Hara, there may well be a space in the squad soon. My scouts and coaching team believe he's already the best defender in the squad, and has huge potential for growth.

The scouts also report that Matt Orr, who is a fraction less talented than Hara, would command betweeen £800 and £1100 per week…that would be double what my highest paid player is on. 

We are left with the decision for the final foreign squad…splash out on the native winger, break the wage budget, but have a big name and a current international and quality cover for two positions, which allows us to sign the super talented young defender OR spend some money and sign an overseas winger to replace Hara. There is a third option, which is to throw the current 4-2-3-1 formation out of the window, and switch to a whole new play style. Not a great option for a January, but we have two months until the window opens, and the potential in the squad to begin switching to another system slowly and embed it ready for the window. 

Game Seven (31st October 2026) - Hong Kong U23s vs. South China (Hong Kong Senior Challenge Shield Quarter Final)

The final game of this torrid month. We have seven games left of 2026 (three in November, four in December), so a good result will put us one step closer to some silverware. A trophy this year would be the icing on the cake for us, and we are still competing on all fronts. Our physio reports that almost every injured player is capable of playing some part in this game, and we might use it as an opportunity to give some game time to a few of them. 

There's just a single change to the lineup, but a bench stacked with players needing match fitness, and we kick off against Hong Kong U23s. Against my better judgement, Mitchell does start. In the 40th minute, Yip makes a mazy run down the left and finds Craane in the six-yard box, who fires home to give us a lead. Despite our dominance, Hong Kong get an equaliser in the 66th minute, before Craane has a goal ruled out for offside. And for the second time in October, we are taken to extra-time. And it takes until the 109th minute to see another goal. A deep freekick is taken by the returning Shiu Tsz Long, which finds Mitchell free in the area, who volleys home for the lead! And we hold on to make October a near-perfect month.

NOVEMBER 2026

November kicks off with a game against Southern District in the Hong Kong Senior Shield, and two fresh injuries. Thankfully, they are the only two injuries in the squad. 

Saturday 7th November 2026 - Southern District vs. South China (Hong Kong Senior Shield Semi-Final)

Two enforced changes, and the return of Brito to the bench. And it is an instant bit of glory. Luke Mitchell, who might just want to leave the club for good, wasted no time in picking the ball up, carrying it forward single-handedly, before firing it home from 20-yards out. A stunning strike from the young man. Craane has one ruled out for offside in the 8th minute, and we are firmly on top. And the good run continues in the 13th minute. A freekick from about 25-yards out hits the crossbar and finds Ho Chik Hin unmarked in the SD box, who fires home our second of the day. And the goals keep on coming. Yip adds a third, with Brito adding a fourth. It should have been five, but Rodriguez missed a penalty. Chen Ngo Hin does make it five, before Yung Ho pulls one back for Southern District. 

Monday 9th November 2026 - Injury News

And just like that, Kenta Hara's time with us is over. Despite agreeing a move home to Japan for January, we had hoped to get a little more out of the midfielder in the months before his departure. Sadly, for everyone, whilst trying to find fitness in an appearance for the reserves Hara sustained a serious hip injury that rules him out for between five and six months. He'd only just returned from a hernia. The injury forces our hand, and a contract is offered to Matt Orr, as well as one to Cristian Castro.

Saturday 14th November 2026 - Wofoo Tai Po vs. South China (Sapling Cup Group B)

We confirm the deal for Matt Orr on the eve of the game. Rory Lonergan, Takuya Tasaka and Kenta Hara are all ruled out with injuries, Jean-Jacques Craane, Jordan Doherty, and Chen Ngo Hin are all away on international duty, so there are a number of enforced changes. Having not realised trialists could appear in this competition until now, Cristian Castro does make the bench, as does new signing Matt Orr. Otherwise, a few other changes are made and the referee gets the game underway.

A penalty from Rodriguez and a strike from Cheung Lik Hang either side of a rare goal for Wofoo were enough to secure the three points and extend our lead at the top of Group B to three points. 

Our next game is in the Sapling Cup again, before we play our first league game in almost a month. It will be interesting to see if we can continue our fine form into the competition that matters the most.

Thursday 19th November 2026 - South China vs. Eastern AA (Sapling Cup Group B)

Two changes made from the last round as Doherty and Fulcher return from representing Hong Kong U20s, and they are drafted into the squad. 

However, inside five minutes, disaster strikes as Yeung Hin Lok goes down with a hand injury. Siu Pak Lam switches to right back to replace him, with Shiu Tsz Long continuing his return to fitness. And it all went downhill from there. Balduino gave away a penalty after 7 minutes, which was converted cooly by Felipe Sa. Then, his central defensive partner Doherty gave away a second penalty after 22 minutes, which was also converted by Sa. Mitchell pulls one back just before the break, but Easter AA grabbed two further late goals to secure a huge 4-1 win. Our first defeat of the season is a hugely disappointing performance all round. We top the group after 4 games with 9 points, but Hong Kong FC have a game in hand and if they win by more than one goal, they will top the group. 

Sunday 22nd November 2026 - Central & Western District [12th] vs. South China [3rd] (BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League)

There's no rest for the wicked, and we have to pick ourselves up to go again. We make a couple of changes to the team after the recent run of games has left a few players in need of a rest. Cristian Castro gets a full debut in defence, and Akrigg is given the chance to start in his preferred role in central midfield. C&W have lost four of their last five games, with South China having lost just one of their last five games.

And the shocks continue, as C&W manage to strike first! A first-time volley from the edge of the box curls into the far corner, and the home team take the lead after 14 minutes. Almost immediately, South China strike back and equalise. Akrigg intercepts it, and finds Mitchell 20 yards out, who hits an audacious shot which curls past the outstretched hand of the keeper. What a goal! In the 25th minute a poor pass from C&W's central defender Garrett is intercepted on the South China left flank. Leung Chong Yip strides forward into the box, finds Brito who volleys his shot into a defender, and falls to Mitchell just inside the box and curls his second goal of the day home. That goal gives us the lead, and more importantly, puts us top of the league and level on points with HKFC with a game in hand to boot. And in the 52nd minute the good run continues…Ma Hei Wai slides a gorgeous path into the oncoming Brito, whose first touch takes him away from two defenders and into so much space he can take his time, line up a shot, and fire home to give a two-goal cushion. Orr gets his first for the club and our fourth not much later to secure the three points. And the fans are understandably delighted!

OFFICIAL CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT

Sunday, 29th November 2026

On behalf of the chairman of South China Athletic Association, Sze Ho Yin, we are delighted to announce that Pontus Fem has accepted a contract extension that will keep him with the Shaolin Temple for a further two years. The Swede, who had seven months left to run on his initial deal, has been offered a deal that will run until the end of the 2027/2028 season after his phenomenal start to the season. 

Upon signing the deal, our chairman was full of praise for the manager. Mr Fem has asked us to release the following statement on his behalf:

“I am thrilled to be offered the chance to extend my stay here in Hong Kong. Whilst this is my first job in management, I am ecstatic at the faith the club has put in me, and I am excited at the prospect of continuing what we have started. The fact the club were willing to show a commitment to me, initially by offering me the chance to manage here, but also by extending that offer. I hope I can repay their faith by bringing some much deserved success to the fans here."

The Festive Period Arrives

Tuesday 1st December 2026 - South China [1st] vs. Eastern AA [5th] (BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League)

With the games beginning to ease off, and our next game not for 11 days, we have some breathing room and the chance to field a strong team. Matt Orr is out with the flu, and the only other injury we have is Kenta Hara. Brito drops to left wing, and Craane returns to lead the line as we look to continue our unbeaten league form. 

But, despite the strong squad and the new contract, it's not a great start by South China. We find ourselves behind after 17 minutes. And despite dominating possession, we can't turn that into anything. An otherwise even game, which Eastern AA edge. We cling onto top spot in the league, but lose our chance to take advantage of the game in hand, and our undefeated run ends at nine games.  

APOLOGIES FOR THE BREAK - LIFE GOT IN THE WAY

DECEMBER INTO JANUARY

Saturday, 12th December 2026 - HKFC vs. South China (Hong Kong FA Cup Quarter Final)

A short break since our first league defeat under the new management, and a chance to regroup. South China haven't won the FA Cup since 2010, and the chance at claiming a trophy is something that has created a buzz at the club. A few changes are made, with Matt Orr being given the chance to stake a claim as the leading man.

However, things do not start well. In the second minute Hong Kong are awarded a penalty. Thankfully, Gustavo Henrique misses and South China breathe a sigh of relief. But you can't keep a good man down. In the 29th minute, after a really impressive passing move, Hong Kong are able to find Henrique free in the box, who hits home the first goal of the game. And thus begins a frustrating afternoon of football. Five changes are made, and it is the magic man Luke Mitchell who turns the tide. It does take until the 82nd minute, but Mitchell is found in the box, turns his man with ease, and ghosts past two HKFC defenders, before curling home from close range. He may be angry his contract has been extended, but he is still producing when it matters. There may need to be a tough choice made at the end of the season, but for now, he's South China's goldenboy. And it is that man again in the 88th minute that helps to break HKFC hearts. A great series of quick passes, started by Mitchell, finds Yue Yixing free on the edge of the box, who is able to curl an exceptional shot into the top corner and win the game for South China, who march in to the semi-final against the North District. 

Tuesday, 15th December 2026 - South China [1st] vs. Wofoo Tai Po [11th] (BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League)

The last few games have been a tough run, and behind the scences some are concerned about the next month or so. A loss to Eastern AA in November and December, coupled with the mounting injuries, and the struggles against HKFC were a concern. But, the prospect of facing the second to last placed club in the league should give South China the chance to bounce back. 

Or not.

On the stroke of half-time, Alberto Rodriguez gives Wofoo an unlikely lead, as the South China midfielder puts the ball past his own keeper. Joabe Brito is able to get an equalizer in the 56th minute, but it's not enough to spark a comeback. South China finish dominant in shots, but having had less possesion of the ball and poor performances across the board. Will the wobble continue?

Sunday, 20th December 2026 - Resources Capital [5th] vs. South China [1st] (BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League)

The last game of 2026 was going to be tough. A few wobbly performances in recent weeks has put the pressure on the team to perform. 

Pontus Fem makes a few changes to the lineup, and South China head out to finish 2026 strongly. And just before half-time, they force a mistake. Kam Chi Kin puts past his own keeper to give South China a narrow lead, which is extended by the legend that is Luke Mitchell in the 69th minute. South China are able to see the game out, and claim the three points. 2026 finishes well for South China, who have a busy January to look forward to.

2026/27 Mid-Season Review

A decent first half of the season sees us still competiting on all fronts. The board have extended my contract, supported me financially (somehow I have a budget of £250k to spend but no way of attracting anyone worth spending it on [I feel just like Newcastle…]), and continue to believe in the Fem way. Our reserves find themselves in second place in their league, as do our Under 18s (who appear to be competiting in both the U18 Division 1 and the U18 Premier Division, where they are 5th but have eight or so games in hand). There's not a lot of quality in there we can bring in to the first team yet, but success is important to breed in a club.

January Comes

The board continue to back me, and finally decide to send me on a coaching course, which is music to my ears. They also agree to allowing me to hire another physio, and extend the medical team at South China. The position is quickly filled by a Chinese physiotherapist with physio rating of 15, which feels huge at this level. My other phyios range from 8-11, so adding him is big. We add another scout too, and extend our scouting range to include the league in the hopes of being able to recruit new blood in the new season.

And with that business sorted, we head into January which will see us play five games in twenty-seven days, all in the Sapling Cup. The competition is made more difficult by the fact we must play three Under 22 Hong Kong in the playing 11 in every game. The quality of our young Hong Kong players leaves something to be desired…

Sunday, 3rd January 2027 - Hong Kong FC vs. South China (Sapling Cup - Group B)

Two weeks since our victory over Resources Capital, and the prospect of the Sapling Cup hits the Shaolin Temple. We have to change out our first choice defensive partnership in favour of two young lads, aged 18 and 19 to comply with the rules. Luke Mitchell makes our third choice Under 22, and we kick off our January campaign.

It takes until the brink of half-time for South China to take the lead, thanks to Leung Chong Yip. Rodriguez carries the ball forward, slides a pass through to Mitchell, who turns and takes out two players, which creates space for Yeung Hin Lok on the right. The fullback slides it in to Yip, who smashes it home from 8 yards out. In the 54th minute HKFC launch a long ball forward, which is “cleared” by Yeung Hin Lok. The header isn't a great one, and finds an on rushing HKFC player, with plenty of space to run in to. He hits a really low cross in to the box, which seems to evade everyone (literally four players), and Van den Broek stabs it home from the edge of the five yard box. 

It takes until the 73rd minute for South China to reclaim the lead. Tasaka closes down HKFC, and carries the ball forward. He runs forward almost twenty yards, unopposed, before curling it home under the keeper from the edge of the D. And that's all she wrote! South China claim the win.

Saturday, 9th January 2027 - South China vs. North District (Sapling Cup - Group B)

What should be a routine game for South China proves to be far more challenging than the previous two encounters. And it takes until the 71st minute for the goals to begin, where Matthew Slattery gives North the lead. This doesn't last long, with Yeung Hin Lok equalising just three minutes later. Some hope for South China, which lasts just five minutes. Slattery gets his second, and North District claim a big win, reducing our lead in Group B. And now Eastern AA find themselves top of Group B. 

Saturday, 16th January 2027 - Kitchee vs. South China (Sapling Cup - Group B)

And things go from bad to worse. The big name in Hong Kong football, who have been out of sorts so far this season, really show their class. A hattrick from Wong Yat Hin gives Kitchee a big victory, the three points, and Eastern AA the top spot in Group B. We manage 18 shots on goal, but just 7 on target. We have 56% possession, but struggle to do anything with it. And Kitchee are clinical. With just two games left in January, will we be able to turn things around? Not only have Eastern AA taken top spot in the group and are three points clear, and we find ourselves second but only on goal difference. Another wobble from us, and HKFC will claim second place. And with the top two sides qualifying for the semi-finals of the competition, we are not ready to let go of our chance to win the Sapling Cup just yet.

Sunday, 24th January 2027 - South China vs. Wofoo Tai Po (Sapling Cup - Group B)

Wofoo are easily the team we've played most this season. This game represents our fifth meeting, with us winning four and scoring six goals. Surely this is our chance to claim the win we need to stablise things?

We look to the youth team to bring in a young leftback and midfielder in the hopes of adding experience to our defensive line. Luke Mitchell is struggling for fitness, and we find ourselves desperate to add quality where we can. A pre-match conversation with Jean-Jacques Craane is held as the striker has gone seven games without a goal, and in the absence of Mitchell in the starting XI, the pressure will be on the Sint Maarten forward and Joabe Brito to produce.

And produce they do! It takes just eleven minutes for South China to take the lead. A wonderful long pass is hit into the path of Brito, whose pace takes him clear of the fullback. The Brazilian hits a low, first-time cross into the path of Craane, who cannot miss and ends his drought. The relief on his face and his manager can be seen by all. And the Brito masterclass continues. In the 26th minute, he whips a corner in, and finds the young defender Jordan Doherty at the near post, who steers home his first goal for the club and his first professional goal. The Northern Irish born defender has a huge future with South China, and at just 18 years old, could become an important player for both South China and Hong Kong. In the 75th minute, Brito again demonstrates his class. A deep free kick is played into the feet of Chen Ngo Hin, who immediately gives it back to Brito. The Brazilian has about fifteen yards of space ahead of him, and just a single Wofoo defender closing him down. He puts on the afterburners, beats the defender, and launches a high cross in towards the back post, which is met by the head of Castro, who finds the back of the net for 3-0 and his first goal in Hong Kong football. And the drubbing is complete in the 93rd minute. Wofoo continue to give us too much space and stand off, allowing  Yeung Hin Lok to carry the ball forward. He makes himself space, and has all the time in the world to whip a low cross into the six-yard box, evading the Wofoo defence, and allowing the clear MOTM Joabe Brito to claim his well-deserved goal. 

We close the gap on Easern AA to just two points. HKFC also win, meaning they are equal on points with us, but in 3rd as a result of our goal difference. With two games remaining in the group, all is to play for. Especially as our final game of January sees us play Eastern AA, and our last group game will see us face off against HKFC. 

East vs. South

Saturday, 30th January 2027 - Eastern AA vs. South China (Sapling Cup - Group B)

A single change is made to the starting XI for the game against Eastern AA, with Siu Pak Lam continuing his return to full fitness after injury being drafted in at right back. Luke Mitchell isn't risked, but is fit enough to be on the bench after a knock. 

And it nearly goes wrong for South China in the 14th minute. A long ball is played over the top, and Cheung Siu Lung is free of the South China backline. His first touch is good, and he's challenged by So Wai Hin. It's judged to be a foul, and Easern AA are awarded the penalty. Rajnovic steps up to take it, but can't steer it in. Instead, it clips the post and goes out for a goal kick. 

And in the 25th minute, Brito twists and turns on the left wing, and plays it back to the South China left back. He fires in a high first-time cross for Craane. The keeper rushes out, and tries to claim it, but between the jump of Craane and two of his own defenders, he fumbles the ball, which falls to Tasaka with an open net. It's an easy finish for 1-0. And that goal puts South China top of the group.

In the 55th minute, South China are awarded a penalty after Tasaka is tripped in the box, which Craane burries easily. 2-0 South China. 

Eastern AA pull one back in the 77th minute after a well-worked throw in routine finds Cheung Siu Lung on the edge of the box, who fires home form 18 yards. Game on!

Thankfully, that is the last scare of the game, and South China continue their march. They have reclaimed top spot in the group, and head into the final group game in control and favourites to qualify.

BREAKING NEWS - SOUTH CHINA DEFENDER RULED OUT INJURED

South China AA have confirmed that Jordan Doherty has been ruled out for a number of weeks after suffering a damaged shoulder in training. The 18 year-old defender, who joined the club this season on a free transfer having been released by Hong Kong FC, will miss up to three weeks of the season as a result of the injury. He joins Matt Orr (missing with a twisted ankle) and Yue Yixing (pulled hamstring) on the sidelines, and will miss the Hong Kong Senior Shield game against Easern AA, as well as the league game against North District. He may be back in contention for the trip to Southern District, but time will tell.

HONG KONG SENIOR CHALLENGE SHIELD FINAL

EASTERN AA VS. SOUTH CHINA AA 

This game represents the first major final in the Hong Kong football calendar. The competition, which was founded in 1896, presents both sides with the chance to win a trophy and put a marker down for the rest of the season. South China are the most successful club in Senior Shield history, having won the trophy on thirty occasions. However, they have not made a final since the 2013/14 season, and will be hoping that they can make it thirty-one. Eastern AA have had far more success in recent years, winning three of the last ten finals, and losing a further three in that same period of time.

This season, the teams have met each other three times, and Eastern AA seem to have the upper hand. Eastern AA have won two of the three games, and have managed to limit the otherwise free scoring South China team to just three goals in that time whilst scoring six. 

Team News

Eastern AA have at least four confirmed injuries that will miss the final, with a further three players unlikely to be cleared to play. Top scorer Tomislav Tisma is expected to start, and may well cause problems for South China. Pontus Fem's men look to be in better shape, and will be missing just three of their squad for the game. Jean-Jacques Craane has recently broken his goal scoring draught, and top scorer Luke Mitchell has been rested for the last two games and will be expected to return to the starting line-up.   

Saturday, 6th February 2027 - Eastern AA vs. South China (Hong Kong Senior Challenge Shield - Final)

Mong Kok Stadium - Attendance: 3,579

South China make four changes to the team that beat Easern AA in their last game, whilst Eastern AA make five changes to their team. Eastern AA have won three of their last five games, as have South China.  

First Half Summary

A first half to forget, if we are honest. A myriad of shots on goal, but just three of the eleven tested the keepers. Both sides have seen players booked, and South China did edge the possession in the first forty-five minutes. It is, however, goalless and both managers will need to look at their tactics in the second half. Which manager will move first?

Second Half Summary

And it only took six minutes for the game to change. South China have a throw in, deep into the opposition half. Shiu Tsz Long finds Brito with the throw, who immediately gives the ball back to the fullback. We've seen this time and time again from South China, as the fullback hits a high and deep cross into the far post, Shin'ichi Chan failed to get to the ball, and it dropped beautifully on the volley of Leung Chong Yip, who tucks it home and gives his side the lead. That's his eighth of the season.

South China are first to make changes, waiting until the hour mark to withdraw Long and Craane. The Sint Maarten striker had a poor game, and Fem switched up his side by bringing on a winger and pushing Joabe Brito up front. Long, who has had a much better game, is returning from injury and has been withdrawn to help manage that return. Roberto Losada makes a few changes for Eastern AA as they chase the game in the 70th minute, hoping to turn his team's performance around. 

South China strike again in the 78th minute, putting the tie to bed. They have one hand on the shield! It is another throw in routine that leaves the fullback with the ball in a crossing position, who fires a looping cross to the far post. Eastern AA seem unable to deal with this! It finds the substitute Cheung Lik Hang, who finishes cooly from an acute angle to give his side breathing room. 

South China make a number of changes in the 80th minute, knowing the game is in their hands. And it pays off! In the 89th minute, Luke Mitchell whips a corner into the box, which is cleared only as far as the Kiwi midfielder. He plays a low ball into the path of Leung Chong Yip, who fires a shot in from the edge of the eighteen yard box that takes a wicked deflection and past the Eastern AA keeper. 3-0 South China.

Three minutes of added time isn't enough for Eastern AA, and South China claim their first trophy in over a decade.

Saturday, 13th February 2027 - North District [6th] vs. South China [2nd] (BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League)

Just the one change to the starting eleven by Pontus Fem as South China return to their HKPL campaign. They trail Hong Kong FC by a single point, and will need a good win against North District to stand a chance of reclaiming top spot. With just ten games left of the season, finishing inside the top three will see them qualify for continental football. Finishing top of the league will see them qualify for the AFC Champions League group stage, and second or third for the AFC Cup.

And it almost started so well. In the 10th minute a whipped cross from Brito is turned in by Craane, and the Sint Maarten striker wheeled away to celebrate before noticing the assistant had raised his flag. Offside.

And that's how the first half ends. 0-0. South China remain in second place equal on points with HKFC, but HKFC have a game in hand. A second half performance is needed!

A host of changes on the hour mark made by Fem look to have inspired something in South China. Less than ninety seconds after the changes, South China have a corner. It's cleared by North District, and collected by Siu Pak Lam. He finds Ma Hei Wai on the edge of the box, who fires a rocket of a left-footed shot into the far corner and gives South China the lead.

And in the 80th minute South China wrap up the points. Rodriguez finds Ma Hei Wai, whose first time pass finds Pak Lam on the edge of the box. He holds the ball up, and lays it back to Ma Hei Wai, who hits a first-time strike which curls past the keeper and into net. His first two goals of the season give South China the three points!

GERMAN KEEPER ARRIVES IN HONG KONG

Recent reports have claimed that South China AA have taken a 20 year-old German goalkeeper on a month long trial. Philipp Neidermeier, from who joins from Hamburg in the Bundesliga, is out of contract soon and in an effort to secure a contract elsewhere, has been offered to South China by an agent. 

Whether South China opt to make an offer for the shot stopper remains to be seen. A source within the club has claimed they are waiting to evaluate the player. Adapting to what is a very different culture is always a concern, and the foreign player limitations in matchday squads is another factor. The squad already contains seven foreign players, and teams are only allowed to select six in a match day squad.   

Saturday, 27th February 2027 - Southern District [9th] vs. South China [2nd] (BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League)

A number of changes for the all South clash as Fem rotates his squad. Southern District make five changes to their squad, who have lost three and drawn two of their last five games. A win for Southern District will see them climb three places in the league to midtable, whereas a win for South China will give them top spot if the Hong Kong result goes their way. It is all to play for!

It takes just three minutes for the action. But it isn't a goal. Instead, Cristian Castro gets himself booked inside four minutes for a rash challenge. That might come back to haunt him. Au Man Lok almost puts his side ahead just before the break, but the keeper is equal to it. And Amadou Parfait gets himself a yellow card just before the whistle is blow for half-time. It's been all South China, but they just haven't found a way to break through yet, and go in 0-0. 

Southern District make a number of half-time changes, but South China continue their dominance in the second half. And a brilliant break by Mitchell leaves him unmarked and in the area. He has no passing options, opts to shot, and it rattles off the crossbar and out. Brito is first to the loose ball, and his half-volley is over the keeper, comes off the crossbar and finds the net. 1-0! 

Things go for good to great for South China as the news makes it way into the stadium that Kitchee have scored against Hong Kong. South China are now two points clear at the top of the league!

And in the 63rd minute, subsitute Leung Chong Yip finds himself in a crossing position on the right wing. He curls a ball in to the near post, and it is met by the returning Matt Orr, who heads it home for just his second goal for the club. 

And the good times keep coming. Just five minutes after Orr scores, South China are on the attack again. Southern District are able to clear a cross, but unable to get on the loose ball. Brito picks it up, drives down the right and into the box. He's past the defender with ease…or is he?! The Southern District defender gets a toe to the ball and disposses Brito…but it leaves the ball free in the six-yard box. Surely the keeper will be first to it? No! It's Luke Mitchell, free as you like and four yards from the goal…SMASHED INTO THE ROOF OF THE NET! 3-0!

News from Hong Kong vs. Kitchee…and Cheng Siu Kwan has eqalised in the 89th minute! A dominant performance by South China is enough to secure the win, and that result between Hong Kong and Kitchee means South China end the day a point ahead of the competition. 

SOUTH CHINA AA INJURY UPDATE

Breaking news from South China, where reports from a club insider has revealed that talismanic midfielder Luke Mitchell has suffered a pulled groin in training, and is likely to miss at least a week. 

He is likely to miss the important final Sapling Cup group game against Honk Kong FC, and will also potentially miss the HKFC FA Cup semi final clash with North District. 

Saturday, 6th March 2027 - South China vs. Hong Kong FC (Sapling Cup Group B)

And it all comes down to this. The final group game of Group B, and it is all to play for. 

Eastern AA will face off against bottom place Wofoo Tai Po, and are favourites to win. South China need a draw at the very least to finish second place.

They make nine changes to the squad as a result of Mitchell's injury and the squad registration rules for the tournament. In come Futcher, Doherty and So Wai Hin as the three Under-22 Hong Kong nationals. Fem takes the brave decision to give the German trialist Neidermeier a debut to have a look at him in competitive action. Siu Pak Lam, Rodriguez, Tasaka (who replaces Mitchell), Matt Orr and Chen Ngo Hin all come into the starting XI. Will the changes disrupt South China? Or will they freshen up the squad and deliver the result they are so desperate for?

Eastern AA take an early lead in their game against Wofoo, taking just three minutes to score. That moves them up to first place, and pushes Hong Kong out of contention for the semi-final. The news rumbles through the 800 strong crowd. Will Hong Kong be able to grab something now the pressure is on?

Yes they can! It takes 17 minutes for Hong Kong to grab a goal. A jinking run from their right winger creates space for the cross, which floats to the back post…and surrounded by three defenders, Van den Broek finds himself unmarked to head home! 1-0! Hong Kong take top spot and now South China are out of the race. 

At half-time, Hong Kong lead 1-0 and Eastern AA go in 3-1 up. If things don't change, Hong Kong will top the group, Eastern AA will finish second, and South China will finish in third. They need a goal, they need to be more ruthless in front of goal and they need far more of the ball in the second half. Can Fem turn it around?

There are multiple changes at half-time for both teams, and Fem sends on Craane for Orr, who looks to have taken a knock in the first-half. And it almost immediately pays off. Just five minutes after the restart, South China have a freekick on the edge of the box. Castro finds Au Man Lok, another half-time sub. Lok hits a brilliant pass that cuts through the defence and finds Tasaka, who is able to get in front of his man and is in on goal. He cuts it back, squares it, finds Craane, and he finishes by steering the ball into the far corner. 1-1! Game on! South China now find themselves in second place!

Eastern AA have all but claimed top spot as they hit a fourth against Wofoo. Unless there's another goal in this game for either side.

79th minute and Tasaka is dispossessed in the middle of the park. Substitute Ma Hei Wai is the first to react, and claims the ball back for South China. He finds another substitute in Yue Yixing, who makes enough space to squeeze a curling cross into the box. Craane gets there first,  and fires home! 2-1 South China! What a comeback! Eastern AA's fifth goal isn't enough, as South China return to top of Group B, and Eastern AA are in second. 

Disaster in the 84th minute. Hong Kong earn themselves a late penalty, which is dispatched by Chow Tsz Him. It's a foot hold back in the game for Hong Kong, as Eastern AA return to top spot and South China are second but equal on points with Hong Kong. Is there another late twist in this game?

Five minutes of added time isn't enough for either side, and the game finishes 2-2. It's enough for South China, who make it to the semi-final. 

NUNEZ SIGNS

We are delighted to announce the signing of Hong Kong international defender Vas Nunez on a free transfer. Nunez, who has been out of club since his contract with Shaoxing Keqiao Yuejia expired, joins on a one-year deal with options to extend for a further year. 

Upon confirming the transfer, the manager had this to say:

“It is no secret we are competing on many fronts this year. That means squad depth is important, but so is experience and leadership. Vas is a great signing for us, not just immediately but for the future too. He's played for some big teams and represents this country on the global stage too. I know he will bring so much to our club; he can be a leader on and off the pitch. We'll have to ease him back in, but I am hoping he can be a huge figure for us moving forward.”

Everyone at South China is delighted to welcome the newest member of our club. Welcome, Nunez!

HONG KONG FA CUP SEMI-FINAL

SOUTH CHINA AA VS. NORTHERN DISTRICT 

Having qualified from the Sapling Cup, won the Challenge Shield, and challenging at the top of the league, today's game provides Pontus Fem yet another opportunity to exceed expectations. An unprecedented quadruple is still on the cards for South China, and today, Northern District stand in their way.

This season, the teams have met each other four times. South China have won three of the matches, scored twelve goals and conceeded just four. They are overwhelming favourites to progress to the final. Whoever wins this game will face Eastern AA, who overcame Kitchee in extra time in the other semi-final.

Team News

Northern District are going to be without three players for the game, but will otherwise be at near full strength. Matthew Slattery is their top scorer, having scored eleven in twenty-two this season. 

On the other hand, South China have a clear bill of health. Expect changes to their lineup as they have shown a desire to rotate. It might be too soon for recent signing Vas Nunez to start the game, but he could well be included on the bench.

Wednesday, 6th March 2027 - South China vs. North District (Hong Kong FA Cup)

It takes just a minute for South China to test the keeper. A decent passing leads to a cross that finds Matt Orr free in the box who scores. But, to the relief of everyone in blue, the assistant's flag is up and it is ruled offside. 

On the 39th minute South China find themselves in a good position. Thirty yards out, and with a freekick. Cristian Castro stands over the ball. What will he do? He steps up, and hits it from distance…AND SCORES! 1-0 South China. What a goal!

And just two minutes later South China are on the attack again. They work it out to Jordan Akrigg on the right, who fires a cross in. It's met by Matty Orr, who turns it home. Is he offside again? It's tight…but the referee awards the goal! 2-0 South China.

On the brink of half-time, ND are in possession and attack South China. They work it out to the flank, fire a cross in, and Lo Kong Wai rises highest to head home! It's 2-1, and that's how the first half ends.

We have to wait until the 60th minute for the next goal action. ND attack, and Lo Kong Wai is in possession on the edge of the box. Castro challenges him, and the ball is loose. It's picked up by Slattery, who has space with Castro out of position…and he fires home from distance! What an equaliser! 2-2.

Uncharacteristically bad changes by Fem has seen his team drop off, and the match is going to extra-time. Will either side get the win?

104th minute South China have a throw in, deep into the opposition half. Substitute Chen Ngo Hin gets passed his man, curls a deep cross to the far post, and it's met by Jordan Akrigg who heads home! Advantage South China with the Englishman's second goal of the season.

The second half of extra-time kicks off, and ND have just fifteen minutes to get something out of this game. But they can't do anymore, and South China run out victors.

Saturday, 13th March 2027 - South China [1st] vs. Lee Man [10th] (BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League)

Five changes made by Fem ahead of the arrival of Lee Man, as he looks to keep his side fresh for the games ahead. With eight league games left of the season, South China will be looking to secure a top three finish to ensure continental football next season. And with just a point between them and second place, they will be hoping for a good result to keep the pressure up on the teams around them.

Sadly, the first half is relatively tame. South China manage twelve shots, but just five on target. Despite this, they had just 30% of the possession. Surely they'll need to correct this in the second half?

And things do get worse! Just before the hour mark Fem makes five changes, Lee Man capitalise on this disruption andmanage to work the ball into the box and Everton is there to fire home for 1-0. What can Fem and his men do?

They immediately hit back. It took just four minutes. Lee Man are sloppy in possession in their own half, and Joabe Brito wins the ball, before finding Shiu Tsz Long. Long passes forward and finds Yixing in the box with his back to goal. Yixing drives to the byline, and finds the run of Brito who is unmarked, and smashes a low shot into the back of the net. 1-1. It's another series of game-changing subsitutes from the manager!

And just twelve minutes later, South China strike again. Long with the throw in finds Mitchell, who gives it back to the fullback. Long curls one into the far post, and Chen Ngo Hin rises up to head home. 2-1 South China!

Despite their comeback, they can't hold on. In the 87th minute a poor clearance is worked back in to the South China box. Everton jumps highest and nods home the equaliser. It looks offside, is it? The referee gives it! 2-2.

APOLOGIES FOR THE BREAK - LIFE CONTINUES TO GET IN THE WAY

Thursday, 1st April 2027 - Hong Kong U23s vs. South China (Sapling Cup Final Stage - Semi-Final)

Having had an extended break since the last fixture, Fem is only missing Jordan Doherty from his squad, who is on duty with the Hong Kong Under 23 national team (not to be confused with today's opponents). He makes a number of changes, both for rotation sake and to meet the competition rules. In comes Jim Ho Chun, So Wai Hin, and Vas Nunez into defence, with Balduinho, Longeran, and Au Man Lok dropping out. The team is otherwise unchanged from the last game.

And it does not take long for Fem's boys to take the lead. Good buildup play allows Yeung Hin Lok to find Tasaka on the edge of the box, who carries the ball into the area unopposed and fires home from ten yards out after just six minutes. 

The next hour of the game passes without too much excitement, until some woeful defending on the 66th minute finds Lau Yu Ho free on the edge of the 6-yard box to tap home an equaliser for Hong Kong U23s, against the run of play. 

And that's how the game ends. Hong Kong grab an equaliser, and the game goes to extra-time. Despite having significantly more chances, South China have been unable to find the net. Will their dominance eventually see them through? Or, will Hong Kong be able to grab another goal to claim the win?

South China do find the lead again in the 105th minute. A freekick from Brito finds the substitute Castro free in the box, who rises above everyone else to nod home and give his side the lead. That's his third goal of the season.

And Brito is the man of the moment. A foul in the 111th minute sees South China awarded a penalty, which Brito slides home to give South China a two-goal lead. That is his nineth goal of the season, and is surely enough to see them through to the final?

It took them longer than they would have liked, but Brito and Castro do enough in extra-time to see South China into the final. The other semi-final takes place later this evening, and whoever gets the win between Eastern AA and Resources Capital will face South China in their second final of the season. 

Sunday, 4th April 2027 - Hong Kong FC [2nd] vs. South China AA [1st] (BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League)

Just three days removed from their Sapling Cup semi-final, which went to extra-time, South China make the journey to Hong Kong FC. A journey that takes all of 16 minutes on foot. Fem has made a number of changes to freshen his team up, as they continue to challenge on multiple fronts. A positive result here would go someway to helping Fem's title charge, especially as there is only a point between them and their opponents today.

An early penalty call for South China is denied by the referee, but it doesn't take long for them to take the lead. In the 16th minute Brito launches a deep cross in, towards the far post. It meets Castro, who rises highest, and nods home into an empty net. Two goals in as many games for the Uruguayan, and South China lead.

And the dominance of South China continues. A well worked throw-in routine sees Shiu Tsz Long whip a cross into the Hong Kong box, which leads to a clumsy challenge from Chen Ngo Hin. His push on the South China player leaves the referee with no choice but to award a penalty. Jean-Jacques Craane steps up and converts the penalty for his fifth league goal of the season, tenth goal in total, and his first goal in four games. South China look on course to win their eleventh league game of the season, having played just sixteen games. 

And things go from strength to strength. Another throw-in, deep in the Hong Kong half allows Long to get another cross off, which finds Chen Nge Hin at the far post who converts it for South China's third of the day with 43-minutes played.

Hong Kong reply almost immediately. Sene finds Scally in the box, who whips his own cross in low, into the six-yard box. Jahangir Khan taps in from close range to give Hong Kong some hope on the stroke of half-time.

And within just thirteen minutes of the restart, it really is game on! Krarick finds Tan Chun Lok, who turns and shifts it out to the right wing. The HKFC right back maurudes forward, unchallenged, and curls a high cross in to the far post, which Scally meets and puts into the South China net. It's 2-3, and with over half an hour of football to play, HKFC might just fancy themselves.

It's a nervy final thiry-minutes, but South China are able to hold on. They claim the win, the three points, and open the gap at the top of the table. It wasn't a great performance in the end. But they got the win, and that's all their fans will care about.

Saturday, 10th April 2027 - South China AA [1st] vs. Kitchee [7th] (BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League)

The run of games for South China continues with the visit of Kitchee to the Shaloin Temple. Pontus Fem is forced to make a few changes to the team after two training ground knocks, as South China look to extend their winning run to seven consecutive games. And with just six games of the season remaining, every win is vital for Pontus Fem and his team. A four point lead at the top of the table is good, but they will need to keep pushing on to capture the title. And given his original comments about just wanting to be in contention for an AFC Cup place, to be in the position with so few games left of the season shows the incredible job the club are doing at present.

A relatively slow start to the first half sees some balanced football from both sides. It isn't until the 30 minute mark that South China demonstrate their strength once again. It's the Brazilian Brito who jinks and drops a shoulder, loses his man, and manages to chip a ball into the path of Craane. The Sint Maarten man is able to steer the ball into the net, and give South China an important lead, both in this game and the title run. 

And that's all she wrote for the first half. South China go in with the lead, and the advantage in the league.

And it doesn't take long after the restart for South China to capitalise on a Kitchee mistake. A clumsy challenge from Sedin Ramic leaves the referee with little choice but to award a penalty, which is easily dispatched by Craane for his second of the game. 

Fem rings the changes on the hour mark with six changes. It's enough to allow South China to hold on for the win. Craane did think he had his hattrick on the 79th minute, but it was ruled offside by the officials. And despite their being five minutes of injury time, neither side could do much more, and it finishes 2-0 to South China. The pressure is now on HKFC to see if they can win their next game and close the gap. 

Sunday, 18th April 2027 - Biu Chun Rangers [4th] vs. South China AA [1st] (BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League)

Fem is forced to make a few changes to the lineup, but names a relatively strong team.  Ma Hei Wei and Leung Chong Yip return to the starting XI, with Luke Mitchell playing behind the in-form Craane. Jordan Akrigg is suspended, and reserve keeper Chung Hoi Man is ruled out through injury, so Fem calls up 20 year old Kwong Ka Hin to the bench. 

South China go into this game with a point lead over Hong Kong FC, who won their last game 3-0. South China have the chance to extend their lead at the top with a game in hand, and with four games remaining, every point counts. 

 And it takes just five minutes for South China to claim the lead. Ma Hei Wei rewards his manager's faith by launching a huge ball from deep within the South China half that bounces over the Biu Chun Rangers defence, allowing Craane in on goal. Two touches from Craane is enough to get one-on-one with the keeper, and he chips it into the far corner. 1-0!

The rest of the first half is relatively quiet. Brito does have a goal ruled offside, but South China are comfortable in possession for most of the half.

That is until the dangerous Taiwo breaks down the right for Rangers. He beats his man, and manages to fire a low cross into the box. It finds Otubu, who gets in front of the South China defenders and taps it home to equalise. Rangers celebrate, and South China appeal for offside. The replays do show it's tight, and Otubu does look to be offside, but the officials give the goal and we have just two minutes until the first half ends. 

South China are not happy with the officiating, but their failure to convert their chances and turn their dominance into a result is their own issue. They've had 13 shots in the first half to Rangers 2, and they really need to find a way of getting more shots on target and testing the keeper more. No changes at half-time, and the second half kicks off.

And South China have lost their heads! A silly foul from Siu Pak Lam gives Rangers a freekick just outside the South China area, and South China their second yellow of the game. And a brilliant freekick routine finds Perez-Doyle free in the box who fires home! 2-1 to Rangers! South China appeal…and the assistant has his flag raised! After a brief conversation, the referee has ruled the goal out for offside, and South China breath a sigh of relief. Fem must changes things, and soon!

Fem looks to have made a few tactical tweaks, and a triple subsitution as they look to regain control of the game. Matt Orr, Tasaka, and Balduino come on for Brito, Mitchell, and Castro. 

And the changes pay off! Siu Pak Lam takes a throw-in for South China, finds Tasaka who returns it to the right back…and a huge cross is launched into the far post by Lam…it finds the head of Matt Orr, who finds the net! 2-1 to South China! Instant impact from Orr.

And Craane seals it for South China with an 81st minute penalty. He cooly sends the keeper the wrong way, and makes it 3-1 to South China. That's his fifth goal in three matches, and his ninth league goal of the campaign. A great first season for Craane, who has 14 goals in 26 games, and has converted all 3 of his penalties.

And South China have done it! A 4 point lead with 4 games left to play. Fem has already won one trophy, and is on course for a historic treble as things stand. What a first season for the Swede!