Stefan Pereira expressed his unwavering commitment to Hong Kong’s World Cup qualifiers against Iran and Turkmenistan, despite facing potential risks to his football career due to the lack of insurance coverage. The striker, recently released by local Premier League club Southern, remains without a club contract and thus has no insurance until he secures a new deal.
While several players, including Jesse Yu Joy-yin, Marcus Chang Hei-yin, and Lam Hin-ting, are opting out to resolve their future club situations, Pereira has chosen to step up. Veteran centre-half Helio Goncalves also joined the squad last minute after securing a new contract with Kitchee, highlighting the varying approaches of players in uncertain times.
Pereira acknowledged mixed feelings about former head coach Jorn Andersen’s resignation but had no hesitation in making himself available for the national team. Although an injury could jeopardize his chances of securing a new club contract and potentially leave him without financial compensation, Pereira remains undeterred.
“It is an uncomfortable thing, but I want to play and fight for Hong Kong,” Pereira stated. “I did not expect [the release from Southern], but that is football. They told me they want to bring in new players, who are younger than me.”
Despite his current club-less status, Pereira remains focused on representing Hong Kong. “I have had conversations with local clubs, but … I am not distracted. My focus is on Hong Kong, and I trust the plan of God. If I agree on a contract with a club now, OK, but if it is later, that is also OK.”
Pereira, originally from Brazil, moved to Hong Kong to join Yuen Long in 2016 and has since become a prolific scorer, netting 59 goals in 100 appearances for Southern. After receiving his Hong Kong passport last December, he was promptly called up by Andersen for January’s AFC Asian Cup finals. However, his international career has yet to fully take off, with all his appearances so far being off the bench.
With Andersen’s departure, Pereira hopes to earn more playing time under interim head coach Wolfgang Luisser. “We have a new coach, and I think he will be very good for us in these two games,” Pereira said. “I am working on [trying to earn a first start]. If I have the opportunity, it will be great … I will try to help the team.”
Hong Kong faces Iran at Hong Kong Stadium on Thursday and concludes their World Cup qualifying campaign against Turkmenistan next Tuesday. Luisser, utilizing Pereira in an advanced midfield role during training, has shown trust in his versatility.
“My time with Hong Kong has been amazing. I am always happy when I am here. It is an honor to play for Hong Kong, and I hope to have lots more opportunities to wear this shirt,” Pereira added, emphasizing his dedication and enthusiasm for the national team.
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