Kim Pan Gon appointed new Hong Kong coach

The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) appoints Mr. Kim Pan Gon & Mr. Szeto Man Chun as Head Coach of The Hong Kong Representative Team and Hong Kong Representative Teams Administrative Manager with immediate effect.

Mr. Kim Pan Gon, Head Coach of Hong Kong Representative Team
“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to be the Head Coach for The Hong Kong Representative Team. I will ensure the team is well equipped for the upcoming challenge as well as improving the FIFA Ranking to Top 100. I’m hoping fans and team members will give me their fullest support.”

Mr. Kim Pan Gon was a well-known left-wing forward. He made his first appearance in Hong Kong as a team player for Instant-Dict FC in year 2000. In 2001-2002, he joined Double Flower as a team player and in 2003-2004; he was Player Manager and Head Coach for the Hong Kong Rangers FC. In 2005-2008, Mr. Kim was a coach for Busan I Park in Korea. In the same year in December, he returned to Hong Kong when he was appointed coach for South China. In 2009-2010, he became coach for The Hong Kong Representative Team as well as The Hong Kong U-23 Representative Team. In 2009, he led the Hong Kong U-23 team to a memorable victory at the East Asian Games Football Tournament.

Mr. Kim was the HKFA Academy Coach until November 2012 when he was appointed Acting Head Coach of The Hong Kong Representative Team. Mr. Kim’s key mission at the HKFA is to build and develop a strong team for Hong Kong football. During Mr. Kim’s six months tenure as Acting Head Coach, he has delivered improving and impressive performances. The Hong Kong Representative Team has climbed 21 positions up the FIFA ranking from 172 to151 as a result of three outstanding matches. The away draw in Malaysian (FIFA ranking 161) on November 14, 2012, the away draw in the AFC Asian Cup 2015 Qualifiers on February 6, 2013 in Uzbekistan (FIFA ranking 66), and 1-0 win over Vietnam (FIFA ranking 132) on March 22, 2013 in the home game at the Mongkok Stadium.

Mr. Mark Sutcliffe, Chief Executive Officer, The Hong Kong Football Association
“The Hong Kong Football Association is pleased to confirm Coach Kim’s appointment as Head Coach. Mr Kim is well-known to everyone associated with football in Hong Kong and is respected by players, coaches, Clubs and fans for his professional approach, technical ability and motivational qualities. Coach Kim’s teams are always well-organised and play with a ‘never-say-die’ attitude. His passion for the game and tough approach is exactly what we need right now. We are well-placed in our Asian Cup 2015 Group and have a realistic chance to qualify for the final stages of the competition – something Hong Kong has not achieved since 1968! On a personal note I wish Coach Kim every success in this vital role for Hong Kong. I have every confidence in him.”