Hong Kong is set to face Thailand in this Thursday international friendly match. White’s men are in action again after five days, while they will visit Indonesia and play another friendly game away.

International A-grade stage

New appointed Hong Kong head coach Gary Whites named his first squad in his reign this season.

At the Back

Kitchee defender Helio Goncalves is injured and ruled out of this game.

Eastern Goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai is Skipper and receives a re-call.

First call-up

Eastern midfielder Yue Tsz-nam

It drops a hint on White’s principle/approach which is likely to inject some youth and exuberance to his way in handling the Hong Kong team.

New call-up

Guangzhou R&F Brazil-born scorer Giovane Da Silva has recently received passport. He is eligible to play for Hong Kong.

Naturalized and local

Among a number of naturalized players,

3 in Defensive department:

Festus Baise

Andrew Russell

Dani Cancela

1 in Engine room:

Alessandro Leonardo

4 in Attack department:

Striker Alexander Akande

Striker Giovane Da Silva

Winger Paul Ngue

Winger Jaimes Mckee

They are ready to occupy in either flanks to support the talisman Giovane Da Silva.

Ex-Kitchee striker Alexander Akande and another marksman from R&F Tan Chun-lok both could feature in the game.

However, the Kitchee forward Jordi Tarrés is left out.

Ahead of the Game

According to White’s quote from SCMP interview at a media conference before a game of the Community Cup of Hong Kong,

“I don’t really look at if they are naturalized foreigners. That’s not my position. My position is to pick the best team to compete at the highest level for the city.”

Gary Whites, Hong Kong Football Team Head Coach

Kitchee Captain and midfielder Huang Yang and other players who play currently in China professional league are set to play include:

Tsui Wang-kit