Hong Kong Premier League side Sun Pegasus fears Mong Kok Stadium "will be reduced to a 'potato field' when more pressure is put on it after the Hong Kong Stadium closes for renovation," according to Chan Kin-wa of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST.
The Premier League side, along with champions Kitchee, "will be based at the 6,600-seat Mong Kok facility for the new professional league to kick off in September." But Pegasus Team Dir Chan Chi-hong "is already concerned about the pitch." Chan: "We have already seen how poor the pitch at Mong Kok was approaching the end of last season and if more matches are to be held there in the new season, it will create a big problem." While South China "will have to finish all their home matches at Hong Kong Stadium before March, their cup fixtures in the second half of the season as well as the regional AFC Cup matches are likely to be moved to the Mong Kok ground due to its popularity among the fans." Although the Mong Kok facility "underwent a major facelift before reopening in 2011, the turf was not touched during the two-year renovation" (SCMP, 7/16).
