Brazil-bound Anilton’s place in Hong Kong football secure as World Cup clashes with China leave lasting memories
- Anilton had landed his first contract in Hong Kong in 1997 when he was in transit after a failed tryout in mainland China
- His biggest successes came with South China and the Hong Kong international team, working alongside Kim Pan-gon
Just as deeply involved as analysis coach, designing the master plan for the players to commit everything to, was Anilton da Conceicao – a native of Brazil but, 25 years after arriving in the city, a stalwart of Hong Kong football.
There are unsung heroes behind every success, and former Sao Paulo winger Anilton has become one of those, moving from playing into coaching and missionary work.
Now, though, the 54-year-old is calling time on his Hong Kong years to return to Brazil this month.
“I never thought I would leave Hong Kong one day,” said Anilton, who first arrived in 1997 to play for the now defunct Golden.
“I have a stable life here after all these years, doing what I love to do, and my two children were also brought up here.
“But unfortunately my wife’s parents need someone to take care of them back home, and my wife is their only child. We are the only ones they can rely upon.”
