Chen Bingan

Chan Ping On (born 9 August 1959) is a former Hong Kong footballer, active during the 1980s and 1990s. He initially played as a forward before converting to a defender. Known for his exceptional arm strength, he was famous for his long throw-ins, nicknamed the "grenade throw-in." He was once named Hong Kong Footballer of the Year. After retiring, he worked as a sports journalist and is currently a football commentator for Now TV.

Playing Career

Chan Ping On grew up in Ho Tong Building, So Uk Estate, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong. He has six siblings and is the fourth child. His father worked as an electrician. During the 1970s, he played for the So Uk Estate Ho Tong youth football team and graduated from Form 5 of Pui Shing Catholic Secondary School in 1977. While in school, he actively participated in athletics, basketball, and volleyball. He was discovered by Happy Valley youth coach Lo Tak Kuen and trained in Causeway Bay.

After completing the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination, he decided not to pursue further studies and joined Happy Valley as a footballer. In 1978, he applied to join the police force but failed the political background check due to his father's trade union background. He planned to develop a football career for two years, and if unsuccessful, would quit. From 1977 to 1979, he played for the Happy Valley reserve team alongside players like Yu Kin Tak, Tang Kam Tim, and Leung Sui Wing.

In 1979, while working at an electrical appliance shop, he was invited to join Happy Valley's first team, officially beginning his professional football career.

Initially, Chan played as a forward and was the team's leading scorer. Under the guidance of foreign player Micky Horswill, he practiced throw-ins and became known for his powerful long throws.

In the 1984–1985 season, due to fewer playing opportunities, he transferred to Double Flower to gain more game time. After that season, he briefly left professional football, working in a car dealership and attempting to run a business, which ultimately failed. To repay debts, he juggled multiple jobs.

During this time, Hong Kong football legend Cheung Chi To invited him to rejoin football, becoming a key player for newly promoted Double Flower in the Hong Kong First Division League in 1985. He switched to playing as a sweeper and gained fame for his "grenade throw-in" tactic.

The following season, he was invited to join South China, forming the strongest defensive line in Hong Kong with players like Cheung Chi Tak, Ku Kam Fai, and Yu Kwok Sum. He reached the peak of his career, frequently representing the Hong Kong national team and the Hong Kong League XI. He was selected for the Hong Kong Top Footballer Best Eleven for five consecutive years and was named Hong Kong Footballer of the Year in the 1991–1992 season at age 32, becoming the third defender to win the award.

In 1995, he left South China and joined Instant-Dict (sponsored Double Flower) until retiring in 1998.

Coaching Career

In the 1999–2000 season, Chan returned to Instant-Dict as part of the coaching staff. He later served as a coach educator for the Hong Kong Football Association, assistant coach for the Hong Kong team, and coach for the Olympic team.

In 2009/2010, along with Ko Chi Chiu and Ng Wing Kam, he co-founded Arsenal Soccer School (Hong Kong), serving as Technical Director, Director, and Business Development Director. During the 2014/2015 season, he returned to South China as caretaker manager, assisting with team management.

Over the years, he has worked extensively with the Hong Kong Football Association as a coach educator and has helped various organizations, schools, and groups launch football projects. In 2018, he helped organize the Arsenal and Manchester United Legends Match at Hong Kong Football Club.

In 2022, he invited a canoeing coach to host free classes to promote canoeing sports in Hong Kong.

Media Career

Before retiring as a player, Chan contributed articles while at South China, earning praise for his writing skills, leading to a columnist role at Sing Tao Sports, which he continues today. He also worked as a sports editor and journalist for The Sun newspaper.

In 1989, he began working as a football commentator for Asia Television, later joining Cable TV, ESPN, and TVB Pay Vision. He is currently a commentator for Now TV.

Known for his knowledge of football leagues and players worldwide, including lesser-known leagues, Chan's deep voice and extensive commentary experience allow him to handle solo broadcasts and maintain smooth commentary flow. Fans recognize him for his classic catchphrases, such as "Hey" (sneer), "To put it bluntly," "Don’t overthink," "To be honest," "You have your strategy, I have my ladder over the wall," and "Let’s leave irrelevant matters aside."

Personal Life

Chan Ping On is married and has two children.

Personal Honours

• Hong Kong Footballer of the Year (1991–1992)
• Hong Kong Players' Player of the Year (1990–1991, 1991–1992)
• Hong Kong Governor's Cup Best Defender (1987–1988, 1989–1990, 1995–1996)
• Hong Kong Top Footballer Best Eleven (1987–1988, 1988–1989, 1989–1990, 1990–1991, 1991–1992, 1995–1996)

External Links

• Now TV Sports - Chan Ping On Profile