Hong Kong U-23 Football Coach Faces Tight Schedule Ahead of Asian Games Opener
Tsang Chiu-tat, appointed in July, will only have his full squad for the first time a day before the match against Japan. The team faces logistical challenges as players juggle club duties and travel.
Tsang, a 37-year-old with an accounting background, took over in July after predecessor Darren Arnott left for a club role. His squad's preparation is fragmented; local players train with their clubs in the mornings before joining the U-23 camp in the afternoons.
The Hong Kong Premier League players will compete in weekend club fixtures, with those playing on Sunday departing for Aichi on Monday—a day after the rest. Tsang has had to manage fatigue, even instructing players to walk after short drills during a recent 90-minute session, ahead of matches against Japan, Thailand, and Kyrgyzstan.
The compressed preparation window could affect the team's competitive performance, potentially influencing public perception of the U-23 program. Logistical strain may also highlight broader challenges in balancing domestic league commitments with international duties, which could impact player welfare and long-term development. The outcome may shape future scheduling and support for youth football in the region.