As Hong Kong end Westwood era, student who ‘has everything’ is tipped for debut
The 21-year-old was peripheral at Kitchee until arrival of coach Inigo Calderon, who says player can be ‘a top, top, top centre-back’
With the Hong Kong team set for a changing of the guard after the departure of head coach Ashley Westwood, a bright international future has been predicted for young Kitchee defender Jason Kam Chi-kin.
Kam should be among the new wave of players pressing for recognition following the failure to reach the 2027 Asian Cup finals, according to Kitchee head coach Inigo Calderon.
A poised display in the league leaders’ 1-0 win over Eastern District on Tuesday was the latest staging post in Kam’s emergence as one of the local top flight’s most promising prospects.
The 21-year-old Baptist University student, who joined Kitchee at seven, had been a peripheral figure until Calderon joined this summer.
“The coach gives us young players more confidence,” Kam said. “I’ve had much more game time, which is valuable for me, but I still have lots to improve.”
Identifying a need to refine his use of the ball, and to play smarter and quicker when he tires towards the end of games, Kam said Hong Kong selection was his ultimate goal but too far away to think about.