Women’s football club in Hong Kong looks to Brazil for players – and Japan could be next source of talent
- Newly promoted 247FC sign two South Americans to help make them competitive, with plans to bring in more, and say it can raise the overall standard in the city
- ‘We knew little about women’s football in Hong Kong back in Brazil, but it looks fine since my arrival,’ Beatriz da Silva says
Brazilian players are plentiful in Hong Kong men’s football these days, and the same could soon apply in the women’s domestic league, with top-flight newcomers 247FC bringing in South American talent.
Set to make their debut in the women’s First Division when the new season kicks off next month, newly promoted 247FC are bringing in foreign recruits as they aim to challenge domestic heavyweights such as defending champions Kitchee, Citizen, Chelsea Football School and Sha Tin.
Already arrived in Hong Kong is Brazilian defensive midfielder Breatriz da Silva, and her countrywoman Stefani Cabral – who plays in the Faroe Islands – is due to follow before the season starts.
“It is difficult to get quality local players as a newly promoted club with little tradition in domestic football,” the club’s business and development director Frankie Chow said.
“The easiest way is to sign overseas players to build a team that will be able to challenge. We know this is something new in local women’s football, but it’s worth a try. We hope others may follow suit and we can improve the overall standard in Hong Kong.”
