From being dubbed the wonderkid that broke through in the First Division at the age of 17 to proudly flexing the captain’s armband for Kitchee this season, Tan Chun Lok has had the weight of expectation on his shoulders.
This sort of expectation is no stranger to the 30-year-old when he was handed the armband from Kitchee legend Huang Yang during his farewell match in 2024. There, he knew that it’s not going to be easy as this role signifies more than just a piece of material worn around his arm. Since being made captain at the beginning of this season, the Hong Kong, China international has become the chief to carry the hopes of Kitchee, ushering in a new era for the Club.
“Being a captain does give you a lot to think about on and off the pitch,” Tan said. ‘I’d only focused on my performance when I was young, but now I have to match the level that was set by some of my predecessors at Kitchee.” The current captain added. One of the predecessors that he referred to was Huang Yang – a role model that Tan has looked up to for many years.
“He’s definitely captain material. Whatever you think the essential qualities of a captain are, Huang fits them well.” Tan expressed his admiration to the GOAT midfielder.
Despite the pressure, the midfielder is dedicated to drive the team forward this season. His style of play as the engine of Kitchee’s transition from defense to offense has set the standard for his teammates, especially to the young guns, to follow.
The original article was published in the matchday program for Kitchee vs Tai Po in the Hong Kong Premier League on January 25, 2026.