Hong Kong football bosses fighting for unloved trophy that could decide their futures
While speculation persists over the future of the unloved Sapling Cup, the rookie coaches of Lee Man and Southern meeting in Thursday's final could have their long-term futures determined by it.
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For either interim Southern boss Calvin Pui Ho-wang or Lee Man's caretaker manager, Chu Siu-kei, victory at Mong Kok Stadium would deliver the first silverware of their coaching career.
Pui stepped up from his assistant role following the resignation of Yeung Ching-kwong in January.
'I never expected it, but when Ching-kwong left, I had no choice but to accept the challenge,' Pui said. 'There was a transition while the players adapted to my coaching and playing styles, and reaching the final is a reward for their hard work, and their belief and trust in me.'
He said memories of Southern's 2-0 final win over Lee Man in 2023 – for the club's solitary major honour – would provide a psychological boost, especially for striker Stefan Pereira, 37, who scored both goals in that match.
Stefan Pereira slides home one of his two goals in the 2023 Sapling Cup final. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
'A lot of fans and other people talk about his age and I know he wants to prove in the final that he is still one of the best goalscorers in Hong Kong,' Pui said.
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