Interview: Southern's FC Shay Spitz
Interview by Christopher KL Lau
Hong Kong born Shay Spitz is an integral part of the Southern FC defence and a foundation of a team which has gradually improved over the previous seasons.
Southern were on the cusp of potentially winning the Hong Kong Premier League last season though fell away in the finals weeks.
In this interview, Spitz shared how having several teams compete for the title was positive for both the players and the fans who were becoming tired of the season being a one-horse race.
"This past season was a perfect storm which ended up being very good for the league itself.
Obviously for the fans as well, as it is not really as much fun to watch or play in a league which is a one-horse race.
The HK league has been like this for a while. This last season, though, Kitchee were not able to perform at the level they have before in the past.
Whether they were some internal issues there or not, nobody knows. It could also be the other teams are improving.
Teams like R + F, who spent a considerable amount of money and Tai Po have improved and done really, really well as of late and equally ourselves.
Southern improved a lot on our season before. This made the league much more interesting and it was a fun title race."
Spitz also credited the club's loyal fans for sticking with the team through both the good times and the bad. Last season, Southern challenged for the title up until the last few weeks and also enjoyed a FA Cup run which saw them eventually lose in the final.
Spitz stressed how the fans and the club stay connected via social media and how the fans are probably the most important aspect of the club.
"I think first and foremost, as you will find with most teams and sports around the world is that you are going to get more fans when you are winning games. So that is probably the number one criteria which is going to allow you to have the most number of fans possible.
The fact that we had a good season and won a lot of games especially at the start of season, it makes the club's job easier to lure more fans to our games.
Winning aside, the marketing team for the club did a really good job and have been open with the supporters.
The transparent social media platform shows what is happening behind the scenes and gives the fans nice, entertaining quotes and information.
So the fans feel included and part of the club, which exactly what they are."
Thank you!