12 years on, South China's Chan Wai-ho tackles Raul again

South China player goes up against former Galactico in Lunar New Year match

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Raul, of New York Cosmos, at training yesterday in preparation for the Lunar New Year Cup clash against South China. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 11:15pm, 17 Feb 2015Updated: 12:41am, 18 Feb 2015

South China captain Chan Wai-ho and New York Cosmos star Raul will cross paths again - 12 years after they first met on the pitch at Hong Kong Stadium.

The last time Chan stepped out to face Raul, Hong Kong was ravaged by Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and the centre back was tasked with marking the then Real Madrid forward in a 2003 exhibition match held to restore Hong Kong's battered image as a tourist destination.

Raul was in a line-up that included David Beckham, Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.

I am very happy we will meet each other on the field after all these years

Chan Wai-ho

So it has come as a pleasant surprise for Chan to be trying to stop the Spaniard again during the Lunar New Year Cup game, which kicks off tomorrow. "He [Raul] wasn't the biggest name at that time," recalled Chan. "The Madrid squad boasted Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos - what a dream team!

The 37-year-old moved to New York in October. Photo: Xinhua

"I am very happy we will meet each other on the field after all these years. I am sure Raul will face a difficult game because he will be a marked man. It won't be easy for the visitors."

Chan, 32, said the Spanish legend, who is now 37, had impressed him.

"He has the will and desire to play football at his age. It may be too difficult for him to survive in the La Liga but the North American scene fits nicely," said Chan.