Hong Kong footballing legend Wu Kwok-hung has died at the age of 66.
The four-time winner of the Hong Kong Top Footballer Award was admitted to Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan last Thursday and was diagnosed with throat cancer last year. Wu’s family confirmed this morning that he had passed away at 3:45 am this morning.
The Seiko Football Club, where Wu spent the final years of his career, will organise a commemorative match for him. The Hong Kong Football Association will consider adding a memorial ceremony in Tuesday’s Hong Kong vs. Maldives World Cup Qualifying Match.
Nicknamed “Ah Cap”, Wu first started his youth career in Blake Garden. He then went on to join Tung Sing in 1968, South China in 1971 and Seiko in 1972. During the peak of his career at Seiko, Wu won 40 awards. He also attained the title of the Hong Kong Top Footballer Award for four consecutive years between 1979 to 1982, which remains a record until today.
Wu announced his retirement in 1986 following his final season at Seiko. The club organised a farewell match at the old Government Stadium for Wu on 8 June 1986, where spectators filled the 28,000-seat venue. After his retirement, Wu has started a sport products business and also ran a bar. Due to his deteriorating health, he has refrained from attending public events in recent years.
The Secretary for Home Affairs Mr. Tsang Tak-sing expressed his sympathies on Wu’s death. “Mr. Wu was a role model in the football sector and made significant contributions,” said Tsang. “He was loved by Hong Kong football fans and we all will miss him.”
