Hong Kong talent drain: leaving is necessary for ‘more competitive’ environment in mainland China, footballer Sun Ming-him says amid exodus
- Versatile left-footer plays his second match for Cangzhou Mighty Lions against Chengdu Rongcheng on Sunday, after moving from Eastern
- The 23-year-old hopes to use his stint on the mainland to take his game to the next level by improving his finishing, decision making and mentality
Sun Ming-him is relishing a “more intensive and competitive” environment after swapping the Hong Kong Premier League for Chinese Super League club Cangzhou Mighty Lions, as local football endures an ongoing talent drain.
The city’s leading players are almost unanimously chasing or advocating moves away, with Sun’s fellow international Oliver Gerbig another recent departee and others disclosing their intentions to the Post.
Sunday should bring Sun’s second Cangzhou appearance, against Chengdu Rongcheng, after he made his debut in a 2-0 defeat to Beijing Guoan last week.
He spent 2½ seasons with Eastern before leaving at the end of last month, and credited the district club for “encouraging me to be myself … and [making me] motivated to improve in every game”.
The versatile left-footer was a key part of Hong Kong under-23s’ run to last year’s Asian Games semi-finals, and was the top home-grown scorer in the 2022-23 local league, with eight.
Interest in Sun heightened after his accomplished Asian Cup finals performance against Iran in January. The 23-year-old chose Cangzhou after listening to the compelling sales patter of Zhao Junzhe, the head coach and former China World Cup player.
“I could feel his passion for football, he … shared his philosophy, the playing style of the team, and how I could fit in his system,” Sun said. “I think I can become a better player under his coaching.
“I still have a lot to improve: my skills, finishing, decision-making and mentality. The training here is more intensive and competitive.
“The overall environment can make me more focused on football. I am delighted to have a chance to challenge myself, and achieve new heights.”
Sun has 25 Hong Kong caps, dating back to a debut in June 2019, eight days before his 19th birthday.
He can operate anywhere on the left, and made his Cangzhou debut at left wing-back, but is also comfortable as a lone striker or on the right of attack.
Hong Kong head coach Jorn Andersen, a confirmed fan of Sun’s attitude and industry, told the player his move was the best way for him to take the next step.
Sun insisted he “did not have much idea” how the Hong Kong Premier League could prevent a talent drain.
“I am just focusing on my part, training hard and trying everything to improve,” he said.
However, ahead of back-to-back Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Uzbekistan this month, Sun is keen for Hong Kong to convert recent promise into sustained progress.
“We achieved something for Hong Kong football history [at the Asian Games and Asian Cup], and wish that this excitement will not be short lived,” he said. “I hope Hong Kong can nurture more good players, and achieve good results, through our hard work and dedication.”
Sun, who also played for Hoi King, Tai Po and Pegasus, admitted he would miss his family, “including my two cats” 1,800km away in Hong Kong, and those at Eastern who had “put in their utmost effort to help me become a better player”.
“I am lucky to have such a supportive and encouraging family,” he said. “I am trying to settle in my new environment, and I have to focus on training and the games ahead.”
