Hong Kong footballer Ellison Tsang Yi-hang has come to terms with the fact that his career will face significant delays due to visa complications. Despite his promising start, Tsang’s aspirations to play professional football in the UK have been put on hold for at least another 18 months due to bureaucratic hurdles.
The 21-year-old defender, who impressed during the 2023 Asian Games with the Hong Kong under-23 team, had hoped to join FC United of Manchester. However, his British National (Overseas), or BN(O), visa does not allow him to play semi-professional football.
Current Playing Situation and Challenges
Since arriving in England to pursue a degree, Tsang has been without a professional team. He has been playing for Konger FC, a club based in Manchester for Hong Kong immigrants, in the Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League. Despite this, Tsang has had no success in circumventing the visa restrictions, even with assistance from the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA).
After a strong performance in the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup this month, Tsang admitted that there has been “no progress” in resolving the situation. His attempts to return to professional football have been hindered by the need for an international sportsperson visa, which is only granted to elite athletes or qualified coaches.
Tsang’s Career Options and Priorities
Tsang reflected on the allure of returning to Hong Kong’s professional football scene, where he previously played for Kitchee and HKU23. The prospect of returning is “really attractive,” but Tsang has chosen to focus on his education, with only 18 months remaining in his physiotherapy degree. He acknowledged that quitting his studies now would leave him questioning his initial decision to pursue them.
“There are moments of doubt, especially when I play in matches like the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup,” Tsang said. “But I have to listen to my rational side and bow down to reality.”
Training with Multiple Teams and Future Plans
In the meantime, Tsang has been training with several teams in the north of England as he figures out where he can be registered to play. Despite the setbacks, he remains determined to maintain his football skills. His desire to play professionally has not faded, and he intends to stay in peak condition while finishing his degree.
Tsang’s performances in the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup highlighted his adaptability. Playing in the flexible centre-back role introduced by Hong Kong’s head coach Ashley Westwood, Tsang showed his tactical versatility. U23 manager Darren Arnott praised Tsang for his intelligent and composed performances, noting his ability to fill the bespoke hybrid role.
Physical Challenges and Personal Growth
Although Tsang’s displays were impressive, he admitted that adapting to the new position and the intensity of competitive matches was “really tough.” His fitness was a major concern, but he has worked hard to stay in shape. “I keep motivating myself to do what I have to, even if I’m not playing,” he said.
Tsang also relished the chance to play in Hong Kong Stadium, marking his first appearance at the iconic venue in a 2-1 loss to Guangdong. Despite the emotional tension in the match, Tsang confronted the Guangdong players who taunted the home fans after scoring.
“I thought their celebrations were inappropriate, but we can’t control what they do,” Tsang explained. “In football, emotions can run high, and arguments are inevitable. But if we hadn’t conceded, they wouldn’t have had the chance to provoke us.”
Looking Ahead: Tsang’s Ambitions and Support from HKFA
Tsang has continued to stay in touch with the HKFA, who are helping him explore potential clubs in the UK. While he has resisted the temptation to return to Hong Kong for professional play, Tsang’s ambition to return to the professional football scene remains strong. “I need to finish my degree, but my goal is to reach the professional game in the future,” he concluded.
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