The Rational Ref | Western Wanderers show money isn't everything after conquering Al Hilal
HK clubs can learn how Asian champions can achieve plenty without cash
Hong Kong soccer clubs take note - dreams can come true.
Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia's youngest club and winners of the Asian Champions League, are the latest embodiment of the expression.
The Wanderers' calm, composed and professional manner during the second leg against Al Hilal at the hostile King Fahd stadium last Saturday might have won them more fans. The way they managed the intense pressure and provocation is a great lesson to all players, coaches and clubs who face overwhelming odds.
Hong Kong clubs are willing to spend similar sums as A-League clubs yet remain firmly ensconced at the lower levels of the AFC Cup
The Australians demonstrated that being the underdogs in terms of money, support, heritage and relative talent is no barrier to winning.
Unlike Al Hilal and last season's champions Guangzhou Evergrande of China, who they also overcame in the competition, the Wanderers are not backed by royalty or billionaires.
In fact, Australia imposes a salary cap to ensure there is perceived parity among A-League clubs. They are allowed two marquee players and a squad budget of A$2.5 million (HK$17.05 million).
This is comparable to the budgets of Hong Kong's four most ambitious clubs - Kitchee, South China, Sun Pegasus and Eastern - who are vying to become the inaugural Premier League champions.
Hong Kong clubs are willing to spend similar sums as A-League clubs yet remain firmly ensconced at the lower levels of the AFC Cup. Simply pumping more money into clubs does not guarantee success.
