Amsterdam women have secured a notable reinforcement. The club is adding experienced Chinese international Li Hong (26) to the squad for this season.
Hong, an attacking midfielder, was part of the Chinese team that won silver at the Olympics last summer, after losing via shoot-outs against the Dutch women. The Chinese team is still led by Alyson Annan, who has maintained close ties with her former club Amsterdam for years.
Commenting, Hong – who accounted for 159 international matches and 21 goals on behalf of China – said she was looking forward to her time in the Netherlands. ‘It feels incredibly special and honourable to be part of Amsterdam. I have always admired the professional level of Dutch hockey. I’m looking forward to fitting in quickly and giving everything for the club.’
National coach Annan also speaks proudly about her player’s switch: ‘For Li Hong, this is not only an important step in her development as a player, but also as a person. It is wonderful that she is taking up this challenge.’
Sixth newcomer
Li Hong is already the sixth newcomer to Amsterdam for this season. The club previously captured Trijntje Beljaars SCHC), Katerina Langedijk (Bloemendaal), Daantje de Kruijff (Hurley) and Imke Verstraeten (Pinoké). With her arrival in the capital, she follows in the footsteps of two compatriots. In the 2009-2010 season, Pinoké was the first premier league club to have two Chinese players in the selection: defender and penalty corner specialist Ma Yibo and striker Song Qinling.
Amsterdam coach Jesse Mahieu will have to wait a while before he can welcome his new addition. From Friday, Li Hong will participate with China in the Asia Cup in India, a tournament that lasts until 14 September. So she will miss the opening weekend of the Tulp Hoofdklasse.
