Pong Cheuk Hei, known affectionately as “Bear”, had a difficult start to his Kitchee journey. His arrival was initially met with shoulder surgery, forcing him to the sidelines. However, after a hard-fought debut in December, he has firmly established himself as the Club’s starting goalkeeper.
Joining a club of Kitchee’s status made him nervous. "Leaving my comfort zone wasn't easy", Bear admits. Coming from smaller, tight-knit clubs, he worried about the social dynamics of such a large squad. Those fears were quickly dispelled. "The vibes are great. Whether it's the internationals or the locals, everyone blends well. We all grab food together after training".
Being a goalkeeper is as much of a mental battle as a physical one. "I used to doubt myself a lot". At Kitchee, the keeper usually faces fewer shots but higher stakes. "You have to stay concentrated for the full 90. You must make that crucial save". This focus was on full display during the recent victory over Lee Man, where his two massive saves secured a clean sheet and three vital points. However, in the FA Cup Quarter-Final against Tai Po, a lapse in concentration led to an early mistake. 'I wasn't focused when the game started,' Bear reflects. 'Thankfully, I was able to refocus and didn't let my performance slide.’
Bear speaks about his goalkeeping team with deep gratitude. "I hope I can continue to work alongside Wang Zhenpeng; he leads by example and is always there to correct my mistakes. Coach Guo also has incredible attention to detail. He uses video analysis to spot bad habits I didn't even know I had". As he looks toward the future, his goal is clear: "I truly hope they can continue to stand by me as I grow, helping me follow in their footsteps and match the incredible success they’ve achieved for Kitchee in the years to come".
The original article was published in the matchday program for Kitchee vs Kowloon City in the Hong Kong Premier League on March 14, 2026.