Kitchee international star eyeing Hong Kong League Cup success to begin momentous week
Ruslan Mingazov seeking to add to trophy haul against Lee Man in Tuesday’s final in Mong Kok, aims to extend four-year stay in city
Four years after he arrived in Hong Kong planning a one-season stay, Ruslan Mingazov is on the cusp of what could be one of the most memorable weeks of his decorated career.
A title winner in the Czech Republic and Latvia, with Slavia Prague and Skonto Riga respectively, Kitchee forward Mingazov is anticipating a “big battle and beautiful football” when his side clash with Lee Man in the League Cup final on Tuesday.
While the Mong Kok Stadium showpiece is laced with jeopardy, victory for Kitchee over BC Rangers on Sunday would wrap up the club’s 13th league title with four games to spare.
“It’s a long season and whenever you get three points you never think it’s over, but now everything feels close,” said Mingazov, who won the treble with Kitchee in his first full campaign after signing from Kazakhstan Premier League club Kaspiy Aktau in March 2022.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Kamil, as a Turkmenistan international, Mingazov heeded the advice of his wife, Aya, after Kitchee made an approach.
“When I spoke to her about it she told me my mood was changing, I was happy and smiling, and she said I needed to try it,” Mingazov said.