Looks like May’s shaping up to be a good month for Kitchee. The local football club beat out rivals Eastern to be crowned the Hong Kong Premier League champions on Saturday, and are due to play the UK’s Tottenham Hotspur FC in a friendly match in a few weeks.
The match, which is part of the 20th handover anniversary celebrations, will take place at Hong Kong Stadium (you know, where the Rugby Sevens are held) on Friday, May 26th after the English season ends.
The Spurs are currently second in the English Premier League, but their chances of beating top club Chelsea this season narrowed after a recent 1-0 defeat by West Ham United on Friday.
Writing on the club’s website, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said the team was “delighted” to accept the invitation to play against one of Hong Kong’s “top clubs” and “play our part in the anniversary celebrations”.
“We are aware of our growing popularity across Asia. This latest visit represents a great chance for us to engage with our loyal fans in the region and thank them for their fantastic support and the commitment they make to watching us at any hour of the day or night.”
The athletes themselves, however, are reportedly less pleased. According to British tabloid The Sun, the footballers are angry at having to play yet another game after the season — during which they competed in 53 matches — especially as many of them are scheduled to be in competitive international matches next month.
This month’s trip will mark the Spurs’ third visit to Hong Kong in the last nine years after facing off against South China in 2009 and competing in the Barclays Asia Trophy in 2013.
Tickets go on pre-sale from 10am tomorrow on Stubhub, and general release tickets will be available via Cityline next Monday.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated.
