Radcliffe FC's Sean Tse swaps non-league for dream Asian Cup role

Sean Tse never thought he would play in the tournament

Last month Sean Tse Ka Keung was playing before a few hundred spectators in English football's seventh tier - this month he lines up in front of thousands in the Asian Cup.

No wonder the Radcliffe FC player feels like he has to pinch himself.

The defender, who is more used to the rough and tumble of the Northern Premier League Premier Division, is rubbing shoulders with the likes of Tottenham's Son Heung-min and Liverpool's Wataru Endō at the tournament in Qatar.

Tse from Salford, is part of the Hong Kong squad hoping to upset the odds 3,500 miles away.

Turning out for the Dragons at Asia's showpiece competition will be a very proud moment.

"It's a big experience I never thought I would be involved in - I'm having an amazing time," he said.

The 30-year-old watched his team's opener against the United Arab Emirates from the substitutes bench after picking up a knock in training, but said he should be fit for the next two games against Palestine and Iran.

The former Man City academy player was lining up in English football's seventh tier last month

Schooled at Manchester City's academy he has played most of his career in Hong Kong's Premier League as well as non-league football in England.

His last match for Radcliffe was against Padiham in December before a few hundred fans, quite a contrast to the huge stadiums and big crowds of the Asian Cup

Eligible to play for Hong Kong through his father Tony, he made his international debut in 2022, becoming a fixture of a squad that has started to punch above its weight. They beat China in a friendly in the build-up to the Asian Cup.

Despite all this, Tse is keeping a keen eye on how his club is faring in Greater Manchester. By all accounts very well. Radcliffe FC top their league by three points under managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley. Radcliffe are very proud of their Hong Kong international.

Whether Hong Kong win or lose in Qatar, this is an historic competition. It is the first time they have taken part since 1968.

The defender's family will watch the final game next week

"We're one of the smallest teams in the tournament it might never happen again in my lifetime," said Tse.

Another highlight was a photo with the man who released him, former Man City coach Roberto Mancini, and former blues midfielder Yaya Toure after a friendly with Saudi Arabia.

In his normal life as well as playing for Radcliffe FC Tse, who lives in Chadderton, Oldham, has a pressure-washing business and sometimes works in his brothers' coffee house.

His parents, Helen and Tony, wife Chelsea and eight-year-old son Albie are coming over for the last group game against Palestine.

"They are massively proud, especially my dad, and it will be extra special for him," said Tse.

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