Kitchee will start their lengthy 2025/26 campaign under new Spanish Head Coach Íñigo Calderón, which his sides have wasted no time in preparing for the new season following the summer break, with three friendlies taking place during camp in Thailand from July 26 to August 3.
The new 25/26 term will see the arrival of five coaches, including Poon Man Chun, Fernando Recio, Guo Jianqiao, Kobe Kou, and Dani Cancela, who are to work in Calderón’s backroom staff.
Poon is set to be Calderón’s right-hand man who also worked as Assistant Coach of the First Team in the 2023/24 season. He will also act as U22 Head Coach in the 2025/26 season. Assistant Coach Recio and Goalkeeper Coach Guo have remained in their roles for the upcoming campaign.
Others such as Kou, who spent two seasons at Tai Po, will be appointed as Strength and Conditioning Coach of First Team and Academy teams. Whereas Dani, who played for the Club for 250 times, will work remotely in Spain as Technical Analyst.
“I am very pleased and satisfied with the team at the moment as all the players have been working hard. Pre-season preparation is never easy as it can make or break the season, but I think we are headed in the right direction. The weather in Hong Kong is hard to take, but all the players have adapted quite well,” Calderón praised his players for their strong mentality and commitment to the team following the first day of pre-season last Monday (July 14). “The team is filled with many young talents, and I’d love to give them moments to shine. I know it’s going to be challenging, and they will eventually make errors, but I think it’s a good opportunity for them to learn and improve.” Calderón continued.
The new season also sees six new faces added to the team, with four of the six players such as Pong Cheuk Hei, Callum Beattie, Kendy, and Yumemi Kanda are no stranger to the Hong Kong Premier League.
Goalkeeper Pong has proven himself as a talented player over the years. Kitchee believe that the Hong Kong, China international can strengthen their defense, as well as providing competition for other goalkeepers. The 21-year-old shot-stopper, who previously played at RCFC, HK U23, and North District, is expected to return in October following his operation during summer.
Beattie will bring proven Premier League quality after impressing in his debut season for HKFC in the 2024/25 campaign that ended with 3 goals in 27 appearances. The 23-year-old English left back, who was born in Hong Kong, is currently applying for an HKSAR passport.
Kendy has become one of the versatile players in recent years when he transferred to North District in 2023. The 26-year-old Brazilian scored a total of 18 goals in 57 appearances across two seasons at North District before moving to Kitchee.
Another signing that is worth mentioning is Japanese Yumemi Kanda. The freekick specialist, who played at BC Rangers for two seasons, spent his last season in the Macedonian First Football League prior to joining Kitchee.
Meanwhile, five Academy players including Cheung Yiu Hin, Yu Ching Wai, Li Siu Hin, Lam Pak Yin, and Chan Shing Chun have been promoted to the First Team ahead of the new season.
Cheung, who joined Kitchee Academy in 2021, featured in the Sapling Cup last season as right winger.
Yu, who joined Kitchee U18 in 2023, also featured in last year’s Sapling Cup. The left-footed center back is known for his ability to build up play from the back.
A product of Kitchee Academy, Li joined the Club at the age of seven. The talented midfielder, who can perform effectively in multiple midfield roles, impressed in several U-22 matches including being the first player to score at the Kai Tak Stadium during the U-22 League match against North District. Overall, Li bagged four goals in the HKPL U-22 League last season. He also featured once in the Sapling Cup.
Lam is another product of Kitchee Academy who joined at the age of six. The right back is best known for his exceptional freekick technique.
Having joined Kitchee Academy at the age of nine, Chan is a talented midfielder who has recently signed his first professional contract that significantly rewards his performance at different Academy levels over the years.
Kitchee will travel to Thailand to play three friendlies including games against Chiangrai United FC (T1), Kasetsart FC (T2), and one behind closed door friendly. “I’d rather prioritize improving performance and focusing on the process than the results. That’s the goal of this trip.” Calderón said.
With a focus on creating a positive and supportive atmosphere and building a strong and sustainable squad for years to come, “YOUR Future” is the new tagline of the 25/26 campaign. This tagline emphasizes the deep connection between the Club and its fanbase, reflecting a sense of identity that has been part of the Club’s philosophy. Kitchee hope Calderón’s strong track record of working with and developing young players will ensure a continuous stream of talent for the future, as well as recognizing that fans are the heart and soul of the Club and crucial to its success.