1. Pong Cheuk-hei (21) - Kitchee

Returning from a prolonged injury in December 2025, “Bear” Pong Cheuk-hei, despite his vast number of appearances in HKPL in the past seasons (53 games), still shocked the fans with his reflexes and confidence, which he once promised to show. A clean sheet against Eastern District proves his value to the team - bear in mind that keeping a clean sheet was something Pong struggled to achieve when he was with more modest outfits such as HKU23 and RCFC. His youth and experience mean we should expect more from him as an integral team member of the Bluebirds.

With his encouraging progress in such a competitive environment at Kitchee, Pong announces himself back in contention for HK Team’s top spot shall the legendary goalie Yapp Hung-fai bid farewell.

2. Kam Chi-kin (21) - Kitchee

After three seasons of waiting and learning, Jason Kam Chi-kin’s time may have come. Young centre-defender, his 192 cm height is an attribute pretty much unchallenged by his counterparts in his age group. Kam has thrived under Inigo Calderon’s 3-at-the-back formation, tutored by experienced defensive partners like Dantas and Roger Riera, now probably joined by marquee signing Asier Illarramendi. The defender has seen substantial improvements this season regarding his aerial dominance, movements and concentration, and the growth in physicality allows him to showcase his passing skills and vision more on the pitch. It is no surprise to the fans that he has become one of the building blocks of Kitchee’s resurgence in the 2025-26 Season, and his inclusion in the Guangdong-HK Cup final squad serves as yet another proof of Kam's incredible progress in the past 6 months. 

3. Ma Hei-wai (21) - Shaanxi Union

We all knew from the start that Timmy Ma Hei-wai would become something special when he returned from Portugal and debuted in the local league for Eastern at the age of 16. The attacking midfielder/winger had since made more than 100 appearances for the club and contributed 30 goals and assists, earning him a chance to join China League One side Shaanxi Union in the summer of 2025. A technical and creative attacker with a good sense of scoring in the box, Timmy's attributes definitely help him adapt to a new footballing landscape in mainland China. 3 goals and 3 assists in just 10 games, his potential is evident. The graph below, with the help of Ben Griffis' marvelous scouting app (https://best11scouting.streamlit.app/), probably gives you a better impression of how Timmy has contributed his creativity to the team in just half a season.

A partly fan-owned club with ambitious projects, Shaanxi Union has sent Timmy, alongside other Chinese teammates, to train with Dutch club FC Den Bosch and Italian side FC Pro Vercelli 1892 in the post-season. Another move may be on the horizon, we certainly hope.

4. Lam Pak-yin (17) - Kitchee

The 17-year-old right back has been impressive in his cameo during pre-season friendlies against Thai clubs. And since Calderon’s switch of formation to a 3-at-the-back one, Lam has been favoured by the Spaniard over the more experienced captain Law Tsz-chun in the right wingback position. Possessing a very unique skillset, Lam loves to dribble with the ball from his byline position and drift into the gap, which has helped the team in creating numerical advantage during the attacking phase.

It has been known to be virtually impossible for a local player aged under 30 to make it to Kitchee’s starting lineup, let alone for a 17-year-old. Under the tutelage of youth-loving Calderon, it might be a long-awaited dawn for the Kitchee academy graduates like Lam Pak-yin.

5. Fung Tin-wing (17) - Kowloon City

We have Zinchenko at home and his name is Fung Tin-wing. The 17-year-old left-back/midfielder/right-wing had a breakout season in the 2024-25 Season, and became the youngest goalscorer in HKPL history in February (until Cai McGunnigle broke the record later in the season). Versatility is the key element of his play, and it offers him regular playing opportunities for the district team. His composure with the ball and decision-making also allow him to stand out among his peers.

Fung did not waste his time in the summer pre-season, as he spent his time training with the Como 1907 Summer Camp and went on trial with a K3 League club. Advice from mentors like Cesc Fabregas definitely helps the youngster be more equipped for the challenge ahead.

6. Jeremy Tsang Lok-to (20) - University of Vermont

If you are looking for an energetic, speedy, and physical wingback operating on the left, then Jeremy Tsang is your go-to option. Standing tall at 180cm in height, the left-back seems like he never runs out of energy on the pitch, making frequent overlapping runs. Educated at the University of Vermont, Jeremy was part of the National Champion squad for UVM in the 2024 NCAA season, appearing in 14 games. He is also one of the top performers for the HK U20 team in the 2025 AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Doha, where his powerful display later earned him an unofficial call-up to the senior national team and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the matchup against English giant Manchester United at Hong Kong Stadium.

Check out Jeremy's compilation of highlights in the AFC U20 Qualifiers here: youtu.be/KNrOFPeKGLs?si=x9qlYdVlQus4K7R- 

7. Michael Udebuluzor (21) - JK Tallinna Kalev

Born in Hong Kong to his father, Cornelius, Michael Udebuluzor follows his father’s footsteps to pursue a professional football career. After leaving his hometown, Michael played in clubs like Ingolstadt in Germany to get the best European football experience. Amid the controversies revolved around him in the summer of 2025, the Hong Kong-Nigerian forward settled in Estonia. Playing for a relatively young JK Tallinna Kalev in Meistriliiga, Michael has displayed his versatility up front. He is more than willing to fall back and take up a second striker role to attempt more passes and be involved in the buildup phase. 3 goals in 12 games may not appear to be an eye-catching stat for a forward. But with another 3 assists? It depicts a different picture of the all-roundness of the 21-year-old who has already received 21 senior international caps.

Following the relegation of Kalev and the expiration of his contract, Michael said he sees himself competing in European football for some more time, and we will soon know where his next destination will be.