Latest news with #BCRangers
South China Morning Post
08-06-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong striker ignoring selection controversy, aiming to make history against India
Manuel Bleda said he was ignoring outside noise over his Hong Kong call-up as the striker sets his sights on 'making history' when the city team welcome India to Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday. Advertisement The Spain-born player made a belated international debut in Thursday's 0-0 draw with Nepal. When he received his passport in February 2024, Bleda was recovering from the anterior cruciate ligament tear he suffered the previous pre-season. A May 2024 comeback proved to be a false start, and he would have to wait until March this year for his genuine return to action. However, Bleda's selection for Hong Kong despite not scoring in eight appearances for his club team Eastern – at the expense of 18-goal BC Rangers striker Lau Chi-lok – stoked the ire of supporters. Advertisement 'For me, it's no problem – I don't decide who comes and who does not; that is the coach's job,' Bleda said.
South China Morning Post
04-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong coach hits back at supporters, defends omission of fan favourite striker Lau
Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood has hit back at supporters who have questioned his decision to leave in-form striker Lau Chi-lok out of his latest squad. Advertisement The Englishman launched a staunch defence on Wednesday of his decision to leave the 31-year-old uncapped, and pointed out that none of his predecessors had opted to pick the BC Rangers player either. Lau was not named in the 24-man squad who will take on Nepal at Hong Kong Stadium on Thursday, despite scoring 18 goals in domestic football this season. And with few changes expected for next Tuesday's crunch Asian Cup qualifier against India at Kai Tak Stadium, the 31-year-old's first cap looks as far away as ever. Fans eager to see their hero included were left even angrier by a first call-up for recently naturalised Manuel Bleda, who has played just eight times for Eastern since he returned from a 19-month lay-off in March. Lau Chi-lok (right) scored 18 goals in domestic football this season for BC Rangers. Photo: BC Rangers Westwood said he had 'nothing against [Lau] personally', adding the striker did not have a permanent black mark against his name.
South China Morning Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong new boy rewarded for 8-year gamble, shares heartbreak over war in Ukraine
Oleksii Shliakotin cashed in on a personal eight-year gamble when he was included in the Hong Kong squad to face Nepal this week. Advertisement After arriving in the city to join Biu Chun Glory Sky in November 2016, Ukraine-born Shliakotin 'fell in love with the best place in the world'. Within a year, he had resolved to qualify as a local and represent Hong Kong. His choice meant that, as a foreign goalkeeper competing with outfielders for overseas spots, Shliakotin had to accept limited club football for the rest of his seven-year qualification period. 'I knew it wouldn't be easy,' the BC Rangers No 1 said. 'My long-term plan was to use the time when I knew I wouldn't play all the matches to set up businesses for after my career. 'I wanted them operating without my involvement by the time I had my passport.' Oleksiy Shliakotin has waited patiently for his opportunity with the representative side. Photo: @JACK.8th Shliakotin has launched successful coaching and goalkeeper glove enterprises and, at the age of 35, can focus on football.
South China Morning Post
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Rejuvenated Rangers aim for Hong Kong FA Cup glory to launch new golden era
Wong Chin-hung has challenged his BC Rangers players to launch a new golden era for the club when they go for FA Cup glory against holders Eastern on Saturday. Advertisement Rangers' dynamism in a 3-0 rout of Lee Man last weekend was testament to how Wong, one of Hong Kong's brightest young managers, has transformed a once flatlining team since taking over in October. He ripped up an all-attacking policy and his methods built confidence. His side can underline their revival in a Mong Kok Stadium final bearing special meaning for Wong, 43, who won the 2016 league as a player with Eastern, then began his coaching career there the following year. 'If we win, it would be an important moment in the club's history,' said Wong, a former left-back who won the 2011 cup with South China. 'It could make our future very different … we will play in AFC Champions League 2, so the board might invest.' Wong Chin-hung is becoming one of Hong Kong's brightest young bosses. Photo: BC Rangers Asked if that could mean a marquee recruit like his ex-South China teammates Nicky Butt and Mateja Kezman, Wong said: 'Nothing is impossible. This level of player has a great impact on the league … they share their experiences with teammates, and make their opponents pay more attention.' Advertisement Wong has aimed high since he pursued football against his parents' wishes. 'I was always getting injured, so they didn't want me to play,' he said. 'They never came to watch my games.'
South China Morning Post
25-05-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Tai Po win Hong Kong Premier League after Lee Man's 15 minutes of madness
Tai Po have won the Hong Kong Premier League in sensational fashion after they swept aside North District 3-1, while 10-man Lee Man crashed to a shock 3-0 defeat by the outstanding BC Rangers. Lee Man had appeared in pole position to claim their second straight title when they began the final day with a one-point advantage over the district club. But there was a dramatic twist when Guilherme Biteco, the midfielder on loan at Rangers from Tai Po, squirmed a 74th-minute shot through the weak resistance of Chan Ka-ho. With five minutes remaining, Luizinho slid in Lau Chi-lok, who kept his composure to slip a low finish across Lee Man No 1 Chan. Lau struck again in similar fashion after 89 minutes, sweeping home first time from a Barak Braunshtain pass. Lee Man, who twice hit the woodwork in the first half, were dealt a huge blow when left-back Ryoya Tachibana collected his second yellow card for a cynical trip on Luizinho after 51 minutes. Tai Po, meanwhile, were 3-0 in front after an hour against North District, following a double for Lucas Silva, either side of Patrick Valverde's effort late in the first half.
