Alex Jojo has voiced concerns about European football clubs lacking confidence in Hong Kong players. Jojo, who previously competed in Sweden, remarked on the stark differences in playing standards. His journey in football emphasizes the challenges faced by players from Hong Kong, which he hopes to overcome through his new opportunity with Eastern. His imminent debut for the national team signifies a significant milestone in his career.
Alex Jojo has expressed skepticism regarding European clubs’ confidence in Hong Kong footballers, citing significant challenges for players from the region to gain acceptance. Currently in the running to debut for Hong Kong against Fiji, Jojo’s experiences in Sweden highlighted the disparity in playing standards between Hong Kong and European leagues. He made three substitute appearances for IK Oddevold before securing a loan with Eastern for the 2024-25 season.
The 25-year-old right-back noted that the talent level at the Swedish second division far surpasses that of top teams in the Asian Games. Jojo emphasized the difficulty he faced due to having to compete against seasoned players in Sweden, many of whom had extensive careers in top divisions. Despite being close to a first-team position, he felt that the lack of opportunity hindered his progress.
Having previously contributed to the Hong Kong under-23 team’s Asian Games semi-finals last year, Jojo views his move to Eastern as a vital step for revitalizing his career. He remarked, “It is extremely difficult for a Hong Kong player [to make it in Europe]… I was close to breaking into the team, but I just needed a chance.” Jojo is now eager to demonstrate his potential on a new platform.
Alex Jojo underscores the obstacles Hong Kong footballers face in gaining trust from European clubs, especially due to varying standards of play. His experiences in Sweden reflect the need for more opportunities for Hong Kong players, which he hopes to find at Eastern. Jojo’s journey indicates the broader challenges of Asian players in European leagues, highlighting the importance of proving their capabilities. His ambition remains to showcase his talent and eventually earn the recognition that has eluded many players from Hong Kong.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
