Yapp Hung-fai, the veteran goalkeeper and captain of Hong Kong's national football team and Eastern SC, harbors aspirations of playing abroad, a dream that was put on hold a decade ago. At 35 years old, Yapp, who holds the record for the most caps for Hong Kong with 106 appearances, remains determined to test his skills in a foreign league before he retires.
Yapp's journey in professional football began in 2007 with Workable FC, where he earned a modest salary. His career progressed through Pegasus and South China, before he found a home with Eastern in 2014. He has won multiple titles with Eastern, including the Hong Kong Premier League and the FA Cup.
His ambition to play overseas isn't new. Back in 2016, there was significant interest from a China Super League team, but the deal ultimately fell through. Despite the disappointment, Yapp remained focused on improving his abilities and attracting attention from foreign clubs through his performances on the international stage. He believes that excelling in international matches is crucial for Hong Kong players to be noticed by talent scouts from overseas.
Yapp's international career has been filled with memorable moments. In 2009, he was part of the Hong Kong team that won gold at the East Asian Games, where his penalty shootout heroics earned him the nickname "Hero Fai". He made his senior debut for Hong Kong in 2010 and has since represented his country in World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers.
Despite his success in Hong Kong, Yapp is driven by a desire to challenge himself in a more competitive environment. He believes playing overseas would provide him with the opportunity to refine his skills and gain valuable experience. He has consistently set ambitious goals for himself, including playing in the starting lineup of a professional club by age 20 and being selected for the Hong Kong national team by age 23, both of which he achieved. His next career goal is to play for an overseas club.
Yapp’s dedication to football is evident in his commitment to both his club and country. He has consistently performed at a high level, earning accolades and respect from fans and peers alike. His leadership qualities are also well-recognized, as he captains both Eastern SC and the Hong Kong national team.
As he enters the later stages of his career, Yapp remains steadfast in his pursuit of playing abroad. He continues to work hard, hoping to fulfill his long-held ambition and further elevate his game. The opportunity to play in a foreign league would not only be a personal achievement for Yapp but also a source of inspiration for other Hong Kong players who aspire to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
