Kitchee to play Eastern in Senior Shield final on Lunar New Year’s Day, rekindling memories of tradition
- The two Hong Kong heavyweights will help kick off the festive celebrations in the city in the absence of traditional Lunar New Year Cup
- Favourites Kitchee expect a tough time with first trophy of the season up for grabs at Hong Kong Stadium on January 22
Kitchee will help kick off the festive celebrations when they face fellow heavyweights Eastern in the Senior Shield final on January 22, rekindling memories of a Hong Kong tradition in the continued absence of the Lunar New Year Cup.
The tournament has not been held since 2019 because of the pandemic, but fans will get a taste of tradition at Hong Kong Stadium on Lunar New Year’s Day.
“We grew up in the days of the Lunar New Year tournament which was the biggest event of the year, especially in the late last century,” Kitchee head coach Chu Chi-kwong said.
“It was the major activity on New Year’s Day as we went to Hong Kong Stadium to watch football after having the family gathering lunch.
“We are happy to have a similar opportunity this time although the cast can hardly compare with those days of overseas teams coming here. But the first Cup final of the season on the festive day will still be a strong attraction.
