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Paul McNamara

The revitalised Kitchee striker Sherzod Temirov said he would be on the first plane out of Hong Kong if he received an offer from a European club.
After being restored to his favourite centre-forward position, Temirov scored in the recent victories over Tai Po and Eastern that breathed new life into Kitchee’s title challenge.
The 26-year-old said the level of football in Hong Kong, where he moved in November 2023, was of sufficient quality for his exploits to pique the interest of new Uzbekistan head coach Timur Kapadze.
Temirov, who has two international caps, is hoping nonetheless that Kapadze is not the only one watching from afar.
“Every player wants to be in Europe and going there is my first plan,” Temirov said. “If I have an offer, even if it’s a small chance to play, I will go straight away.

“I will talk to the manager [Edgar Cardoso] and Mr Ken [Ng Kin, president] after this season and listen to what they say.
“I enjoy life in Hong Kong, but I don’t see much of the city. I like my job, so I work, then I go home and watch football or play video games. That is my life. Football is my only focus.”
Temirov won an Uzbek league title with Pakhtakor in 2021, before joining Persepolis, in Iran when he made his international debut in 2022.
After spending 2022-23 with Paykan FC, another Iranian club, he was tempted by Kitchee following video calls with the club’s previous head coach, Kim Dong-jin.
He has nine goals from 17 games this season, but it was his recent switch from wing duties to central striker that prompted an upturn in form. Temirov’s eye-catching, front-running displays have coincided with the appointment of Kapadze, 43, as Uzbekistan boss, after predecessor Srecko Katanec quit because of ill health in January.
“I’m always waiting for the call, I more than want to play for my country,” Temirov said. “If you are selected, it shows you are one of the best players, which is my aim. The new coach is young with good ideas, I think he will pay attention to what I’m doing in Hong Kong.
“The league is stronger than people think, especially the top-four teams. It’s a different style from my country, with less running and more technique. It has the potential to be better than the league in Uzbekistan.

“When I came, I played against Southern [0-0 draw on debut] and it was f****** tough. In the important matches, you don’t get many chances, so you have to take them to make the difference.”
Kitchee are third in the league, after only one loss in 13 matches. Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Football Club, they are six points behind leaders Tai Po, having played one game fewer. Kitchee have played one match more than the teams that sandwich them, Eastern and Lee Man, who meet on Sunday.
“All the top four can win the league, it is so close,” Temirov said. “The aim before every season at Kitchee is to be champions and we think we can do it.
“I don’t know if I will be at Kitchee next season, but I am focused and try my best in every match. We are doing well, but we have to keep it going until the end.”


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Sherzod Temirov tries to blast a shot past the blocking Timmy Ma Hei-wai during Kitchee’s 3-0 victory over Eastern this month. Photo: Sam Tsang

Temirov, seen here trying to beat Eastern keeper Liu Fu-yuen, is keen for a move to Europe. Photo: Sam Tsang

The 26-year-old believes his exploits in Hong Kong can earn an Uzbekistan recall. Photo: Sam Tsang

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Sport

Football

Hong Kong

Sherzod Temirov spearheading Kitchee’s Premier League title quest after being restored to centre-forward role


Sherzod Temirov spearheading Kitchee’s Premier League title quest after being restored to centre-forward role.


Hong Kong Premier League