Kitchee
Eastern SC
Tai Po
Lee Man FC
HK Rangers FC
Southern District
Yuen Long
R&F
Orion FC
Hong Kong FC
Dreams SC
Sham Shui Po
North District
Resources Capital FC
South China AA
Happy Valley
Hoi King
Kowloon City
Wikipedia - Hong Kong Senior Challenge Shield
The Hong Kong Senior Challenge Shield (Chinese: 香港高級組銀牌), known commonly as the Senior Shield, is the football knockout inter-club competition held in Hong Kong and the fourth oldest football tournament in Asia. Traditionally, only teams that play in the Hong Kong Premier League take part in the competition. However, sometimes teams in the lower divisions, usually the champions of the Junior Shield, are invited in order to increase the number of participating teams.
The current Senior Shield holders are Kitchee.
History
Hong Kong Football Cup was a knockout cup competition which was established in 1895. It had been renamed to Hong Kong Challenge Shield due to the changes of the trophy. It had been divided in Senior Shield and Junior Shield since 1922–23 season. The knockout format has been used except in 1982–83 and 1996–97 seasons. In 1982–83, group matches format was used. In 1996-1997, a double knock-out system were used. Before 1978, a re-match would be played after a draw. After 1978, extra time and penalty kicks were used. Penalty shoot-out has been used for 3 times in the final in history (1988, 1994, 1995). But starting from 2011, Hong Kong Challenge Shield is a two-legged home-and-away ties competition.
Lee Kin Wo is the player who has won the most number of Senior Shield. He won it for 10 times between 1987 and 2005. (Eastern: 1987, 1993, 1994; South China: 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003; Sun Hei: 2005). Ho Ying Fan and Wu Kwok Hung have won the competition for 9 times.
There are 3 teams after World War II which won Senior Shield immediately after their promotions to First Division League. They are Rangers (1966), Jardine (1969) and Seiko (1973).
In 1987–1988, it was the first time to have external sponsor for the competition. Camel Paints sponsored the competition for 6 consecutive years. In 1993–1994, the sponsor was Emperor Financial Services Group. In 2003–2004 and 2004–2005, Sunray Cave was the sponsor and the most recent sponsor is Choi Fung Hong.
One of the most unexpected results in the competition history is a 6–5 win by Army against Happy Valley in 1965. At the time, Army was at the bottom of the First Division League and had to relegate to the Second Division next season while Happy Valley was the league Champion.
The Hong Kong Senior Shield is a prestigious annual football tournament that showcases the best of local talent and competitive spirit in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. Established in 1896, this historic tournament has become a cornerstone of the local football calendar, attracting teams from various leagues and backgrounds, including professional clubs and amateur sides.
Held typically in the latter part of the year, the Senior Shield features a knockout format, where teams battle it out in a series of thrilling matches leading up to the grand final. The tournament not only highlights the skill and determination of the players but also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among fans and supporters.
With its rich history and tradition, the Hong Kong Senior Shield serves as a platform for emerging talents to shine and for established clubs to assert their dominance. The tournament is known for its electrifying atmosphere, drawing passionate crowds to stadiums across the city, where the excitement of live football unites fans from all walks of life.
In addition to the on-field action, the Senior Shield promotes sportsmanship and fair play, making it a celebrated event in Hong Kong's sporting landscape. As teams vie for the coveted trophy, the tournament continues to inspire future generations of footballers and remains a testament to the enduring love for the beautiful game in Hong Kong.