Tong Zhou sets ambitious targets

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 2 December 2023

DUBAI, UAE - Midfielder Tong Zhou is desperate to make an impact at the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia and in New Zealand football in general.

The 33-year-old former Shijiazhuang Tiangong and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger player left behind his life as a professional footballer to move to New Zealand last year before signing for Auckland City FC back in March 2023.

Since arriving at Kiwitea Street, Zhou has been active in the local Chinese community helping form a close bond between Auckland City FC and the Futurity Stars Academy, a Chinese community football organisation that runs grassroots programmes all over the city.

Now, after making nearly 30 appearances for the club, Zhou wants to help give back his experience to youngsters and build bridges between mainstream Kiwi football and youngsters of all backgrounds, particularly those that fall out of the loop due to cultural barriers that exist in New Zealand society.

COMMUNITY FOOTBALL

Enjoy highlights of todays fun as the #NavyBlues welcome and host Futurity Stars Football festival in Sandringham

#StrengthInUnity pic.twitter.com/enYTdyoYRk
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) September 3, 2023

"I had been through many years professional football in China, and at my age (33) I decided that my family was the key focus and I needed to accompany my wife and son to a new life in New Zealand.

"When we came to Auckland everything was quickly sorted in the first meeting with chairperson Ivan Vuksich and general manager Gordon Watson and their vision of what football can be.

"I feel that there is great chemistry taking place between the club and myself. The club is committed to being competitive while also wanting to build on its multicultural perspective of football that welcomes and engages with people of all backgrounds.

"This is attractive to any football player, to play and compete and be the best version of yourself.

"Auckland City FC is an amateur club, and New Zealander’s attitudes towards football are no different to any football club anywhere else in the world.

"I've set up some strong ties in the Chinese community, particularly with the grassroots and youth, because I love to share my football vision and professional experiences to the local communities in Auckland," he said.

While that sounds easy to do, there have been obstacles.

"China and New Zealand are very different in size and population. The football facilities in New Zealand including grounds/stadiums are more inclined to grassroots access and civilian participation.

"However, Kiwis have good aspirations to play football, and they do it with great effort, which is no different to home," he added.

One experience they opened Zhou's eyes to the potential in this part of the world was the journey to Vanuatu last May in the OFC Champions League in Luganville and Port Vila.

"I love contributing and promoting football in New Zealand in diverse communities and would love to do this with the other Oceania countries that I could connect with.

"Vanuatu was a special experience for me personally because it was new and exciting but it also showed me the reality of life in the Pacific region and how beautiful it is," he said.

Now the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia looms and Zhou's focus has turned toward making a contribution to Auckland City FC's first match with Al-Ittihad in Jeddah on December 12.

The Navy Blues overcome Cashmere Technical 3-1 courtesy of goals by Tong Zhou, Emi Tade and Liam Gillion

#StrengthInUnity pic.twitter.com/YFrllAEmK5
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) October 14, 2023

Zhou made a big impression in City's 1-1 draw with Al Dhaid on November 30 and he hopes to be in the selection frame just over a week from now.

"Oh, it is my dream and ultimate goal. I would have never thought about this one year before, but no one knows what gonna happen tomorrow.

"Ever since I joined Auckland City FC, I told myself with great confidence that I can play the FIFA Club World Cup.

As I am turning 34 soon, it is important to me just to realize my dream to play in exciting matches on the world stage.

"Life changes as you look to the future and in the long term I hope that I can positively promote football as a Chinese person living in New Zealand.

"In the future, many New Zealand-born people of Chinese origin may one day play football in the mainstream and I’d love to be central to stronger friendships between New Zealand and our community."

Ends