Chinese journeyman reaches Club World Cup

His understanding fuels his dual role as both a player and community coach for Auckland City, where he's now nurturing the next generation.

"Tong does a wonderful job," Vuksich said. "His nature, his personality is just perfect for that. All the young kids he's involved with, they love him absolutely."

Club general manager Gordon Watson echoed the sentiment, describing Zhou as "charismatic, funny and hardworking", highlighting his calming influence and very positive energy.

"Tong is approachable, friendly, very patient and very understanding. And he has empathy — a lot of empathy — for children," Watson specifically noted Zhou's impact at a coaching clinic at King's College. "He's able to communicate (soccer intelligence) in a way that children and youth players can safely understand."

This focus on youth development aligns perfectly with the club's ambitious plans for its Club World Cup windfall, a guaranteed $3.58 million according to FIFA, plus potential win bonuses. Watson detailed a partnership with Mount Roskill Intermediate School, serving a diverse community with many new immigrants.

"We bring soccer as a tool for holistic development, helping with integration," Watson explained, adding that the prize money will fund an all-weather pitch with floodlights and an admin building.

"When it rains and the field is wet, we cannot train. Children do not come to school," Watson said, outlining the project's profound social goals to improve attendance, channel energy positively and, ultimately, foster better citizens.

"It's got to be long term. Cultural integration happens. We recognize we can play a role," Watson added.

For Zhou, coaching offers fresh perspective and pure joy. "The biggest takeaway for me is that I can view soccer from a different angle," he explained. "The other big one is happiness. Being with kids, 11 or 12 years old, or even eight or nine, they are like blank paper. If they win a match, I'm happier than when I win myself."