“They Just Want to Play Football”: Coach Chan Hiu Ming’s Passionate Plea for Chinese Taipei’s Women’s Football Future

Despite a winless run at the EAFF Women’s Football Championship 2025, Chinese Taipei Women’s National Team left a lasting impression — not just on the pitch, but in the post-match press room as well.

 

After a hard-fought 2-4 defeat to China on July 13, head coach Chan Hiu Ming addressed the media with heartfelt appreciation for his players and an impassioned message to the footballing community across Asia.

 

“We should be happy for the players,” Chan began. “It was really powerful how they fought to the end. Even when we were behind, we still had the desire to score, to push for a draw. That spirit — that belief — is something I truly admire.”

 

Chinese Taipei’s journey in the tournament included a 0-4 loss to powerhouse Japan and a 0-2 defeat to South Korea. But it was the match against China — where they scored two goals and showed moments of tenacity and flair — that truly captured the team’s evolution.

 

Reflecting on the match, Chan acknowledged the disparity in match tempo and exposure between his side and their opponents. “If you compare the first half and the second half, the difference is clear. Our players need time to adapt to this level of intensity. In the beginning, we were out of tempo,” he said. “But in the second half, I was proud. They changed their mentality — they pressed higher, ran harder, gave China less room to build up. That’s the football we want to play.”

 

 

 

 

But beyond tactics and performance, Chan’s message grew deeper. Looking around the room filled with Japanese, Korean, and Chinese reporters, he took the opportunity to advocate not just for his team — but for regional unity.

 

“We’re all part of the same Asian football family,” he said earnestly. “Chinese Taipei was once ranked highly in Asia. But now, reality is different. We only have one player playing professionally in China. The rest compete in our domestic league — it’s a local environment with limited exposure.”

 

Chan then made an open call to clubs across Asia. “If any Japan, Korea, or China club sees the talent in our players — even in your second division — I truly hope you consider them. These girls are disciplined, simple, football-minded. They just want to play football.”

 

He didn’t shy away from the challenges. “Without a high-level platform or professional environment, they cannot grow. Tournaments like this help, but when they go back to the local league, everything stagnates again.”

 

In an emotional appeal, Chan invited any club to reach out directly. “If you’re interested, contact me — via WhatsApp, Instagram, anything. I’ll help. I want to help them step up and experience more.”

 

As the press conference drew to a close, Coach Chan turned to the room and gave his thanks in four languages — Japanese, Korean, English, and Chinese. The gesture was met with warm applause — a small but poignant reminder of the unity he hopes to build through football.

 

Chinese Taipei may not have lifted the trophy this year, but under Chan Hiu Ming’s leadership, they’ve earned something just as valuable — respect, admiration, and hope for a brighter future.