Guizhou's village soccer super league debuts in Hong Kong

Two teams pose for a group photo after the match. [Photo/ddcpc website]

Rongjiang county's village soccer super league team from Southwest China's Guizhou province and the Hong Kong All Stars Sports Association (ASSA) had a friendly soccer match on Nov 11 in Hong Kong.

The match started with 120 performers from Rongjiang dressed in ethnic costumes, performing Miao ethnic dances and Dong ethnic songs and cheering on the two teams.

Just nine minutes into the game, Rongjiang player Lu Jinfu scored the first goal, but an own goal later equalized the score. After 90 minutes of intense competition, ASSA defeated the Rongjiang team with a score of 3-1.

"Our players come from all walks of life, including students, company employees, and self-employed individuals. We are united by our love for soccer and we gather to practice in the evenings every week," said Lai Hongjing, the Rongjiang team coach.

After discovering their weaknesses during the match, the team will focus on these areas and intensify their training.

Since the ASSA came to Guizhou in August to compete with the village soccer super league team, the two teams have maintained close contact and formed a deep friendship.

"This friendly match can serve as a model for other folk sporting events in China," said Peng Xixi, honorary vice-chairman of the Guizhou Rongjiang County Soccer Association.

It is hoped that this match will attract more soccer enthusiasts from Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland to learn about the achievements of rural vitalization.

After the match, Chan Pak Cheung, the representative of ASSA, said that it was a great game regardless of who won and who lost. Both teams had fun, and the ethnic customs of Guizhou were brought to Hong Kong.