Opinion | Left field: Get real - artificial surfaces are the way to go in Hong Kong

Rival clubs' complaints about BC Rangers' pitch are shortsighted and harmful to future of the domestic league

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Artificial turf has been installed at BC Rangers' new ground in East Kowloon. Cost effective and more durable, it is seen by some as the future of local sport. Photos: SCMP Pictures

Published: 9:04pm, 13 Dec 2014

BC Rangers director Philip Lee Fai-lap is right when he strongly advocates the Hong Kong Premier League side will not consider moving away from their new home ground at Kowloon Bay Park. The problem apparently is the artificial turf at the 1,200-seat venue in East Kowloon is not to the liking of everyone - read the rest of the clubs.

The Hong Kong Football Association's long-held goal has been to provide each top-flight club with their own home ground, so they can build a fan base where the public identify with their "home" team.

Kowloon Bay has been designated as the home for Rangers and with the help of authorities a new venue has been provided where they can train and play games. The problem is Rangers are the only Premier League club with an artificial surface.

The ball bounces more on an artificial strip than on natural turf, but then it should not be a problem if you play football the way the gods and Messi play it - keeping the ball on the ground

Already opponents are struggling. In their two home games, Rangers have defeated Wong Tai Sin and Wofoo Tai Po by the identical scoreline of 3-0. The vanquished have raised complaints about playing on the artificial strip, saying it is difficult and different.

Of course, it is different. The ball bounces more on an artificial strip than on natural turf, but then it should not be a problem if you play football the way the gods and Messi play it - keeping the ball on the ground.

Even if there is a bounce and it is difficult, so what? That is the beauty of playing away, trying to adapt to alien conditions and winning. Rangers have a strange environment and the other clubs must look at it as a challenge and not moan about the pitch.

In a city where space is at a premium and playing fields are used around the clock, it makes sense for new venues to have an artificial surface. A traditional grass pitch means a higher maintenance cost plus it cannot be used throughout the year, or even throughout a day.