Chan Man Kei: Nurturing a basketball dream at UM

Asked what she believes are the most important qualities of a basketball player, Chan Man Kei does not hesitate: ‘For me, it’s passion, perseverance, and belief.’ She answers with an easy smile, her bright eyes reflecting the confidence behind her words. A former captain of the University of Macau (UM) Women’s Basketball Team, Chan returned to UM after graduation as an administrative staff member, supporting both faculty and students. From her days as a student athlete to her current role on campus, one thing has remained constant: her deep love for basketball. Most recently, at the 15th National Games, Chan competed in the women’s 3×3 basketball event, where she demonstrated the same determination and enduring passion that have defined her journey both on and off the court.

The roots of a basketball journey

Chan’s basketball journey began when she was a primary student. As Chan was taller than most of her classmates, she was invited to join the school team. At first, she saw practices and games simply as a fun activity—a chance to run around and make new friends. But as she continued to train and improve, what started as casual enjoyment gradually grew into a genuine passion, one that has stayed with Chan ever since.

Remaining at the same school for her secondary studies, Chan continued playing for the school team, which was one of the top contenders in Macao’s Inter-School Basketball Competition. ‘We were often champions. Reaching the finals almost became an expectation,’ she recalls with pride. One of her most memorable early experiences came in her first year of senior secondary studies, when the team was short on players and she had to compete in Category A—an older and more competitive division. She and her teammates fought their way to the championship, earning her first-ever Category A title. Chan says it was in that moment that her true passion for basketball took root.

Nurturing the dream at UM

When Chan began her studies at UM, joining the Women’s Basketball Team was an easy decision. ‘Many of my secondary school teammates also came to UM. They told me the university has a strong sports culture and plenty of opportunities to grow,’ she recalls. As it turned out, Chan’s years at UM became a defining chapter—not only in her basketball journey, but also in her personal growth. At UM, she formed lifelong friendships, helped the UM team win multiple championships, and earned several Three‑Point Leader and MVP titles. As she progressed from player to captain, she gained experience in team management and administrative work, building close ties with the Office of Sports Affairs. These experiences opened her eyes to the possibility of a career in higher education.

After earning her undergraduate degree, Chan worked while completing a master’s degree in educational administration at UM. She eventually chose to return to her alma mater as a staff member. ‘The longer I’m here, the stronger my sense of belonging becomes,’ she says. Now a secretary in the Department of Accounting and Information Management in the Faculty of Business Administration (FBA), Chan still makes time to train with UM basketball players. She has also joined Macao’s Hou Chon Sports Club, where she helped establish its women’s basketball team, continuing her basketball journey beyond campus.

When Chan talks about women’s basketball, a steady confidence appears in her eyes. Her dedication is rooted in the friendships she has built with fellow players since her teenage years. ‘From secondary school to university, many of us have been playing together all this time. Sometimes we are opponents, sometimes teammates, and some have even become coaches,’ Chan says with a smile. This bond, forged over more than a decade, makes her feel that they are all part of Macao’s basketball family. Now a seasoned player, Chan hopes to pass her experience on to the next generation. ‘I really want to share what I have learned with young players—give them advice and watch them grow. That’s incredibly meaningful to me, even more rewarding than winning a game myself.’

Hope through perseverance

This year has been especially meaningful for Chan. In March, she and her UM basketball teammates competed in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2025. During the group stage, the team won two games, Macao’s best performance in the tournament to date. Thinking back, Chan still feels a rush of excitement. ‘It was the first time we’d ever won at a competition of that level.’ Although they ultimately missed advancing by a margin of just two points in the total score, the experience filled her with hope. ‘It was a milestone. It proved that Macao women’s basketball can compete at the Asian level.’

Chan only recently joined the Macao 3×3 team, a decision she made carefully. ‘Compared with athletes from other regions, we’re at a disadvantage in height and physical strength. 3×3 is a bit less physically demanding, which gives Macao players a better chance to break through,’ she explains. Once committed, Chan threw herself into preparation. For the past six months, she balanced a full-time job with intensive training to adapt to the faster pace of the 3×3 game. She often headed straight from the office to practice, training until 11:00pm before returning to work early the next morning. Weekends were devoted to fitness and weight training to build strength and prevent injury. Fortunately, UM’s extensive sports facilities, including 14 outdoor courts and two indoor courts in the Sports Complex, made training convenient and saved valuable commuting time. ‘It was tough,’ Chan admits. ‘I barely had time for myself or my family. But passion, perseverance, and belief—those were the things that kept me going.’

A boost for Macao women’s basketball at the National Games

The Asia Cup wins strengthened Chan and her teammates’ confidence as they headed into the 15th National Games. Leading the Macao team in the women’s 3×3 basketball event, Chan entered the competition with renewed belief. During the test event in June, the team delivered a strong performance and finished second. Although they later lost to Guangdong in their first official match, Chan, as captain, urged her teammates not to be discouraged and immediately reviewed tactics with them. ‘Our starting point is different,’ she says. ‘Just being able to step onto the National Games court is already a victory for us.’ For Chan, the National Games represents much more than a contest. It is an opportunity to learn from top teams and to show the public what Macao’s women basketball players can achieve. ‘What matters most is narrowing the gap with other regions, letting more people see our strength, and paving the way for the next generation.’

Chan adds, ‘When people see that Macao’s women players are capable of competing in major events, opportunities to take part in other competitions may open up for us.’ Looking ahead, Chan hopes to see more platforms highlighting Macao women’s basketball, so young players can gain the attention, support, and opportunities they need to grow.

A harvest of support and growth

Amid the long hours of training and work, what keeps Chan going is the support she receives from her UM family. The FBA dean and her colleagues all know how much she loves basketball, and some even follow her matches via livestream. ‘My colleagues are incredibly understanding whenever I need leave for competitions, and they always help lighten my workload. On tough training days, they even cheer me up with a cup of coffee. Those small gestures really lift my spirits.’ With both encouragement and practical support, Chan has been able to balance her job and her passion, allowing her to pursue her basketball dreams with peace of mind.

That sense of support is something Chan first experienced as a student. UM gave her many opportunities to take part in basketball competitions around the world—experiences that broadened her horizons and strengthened her skills. Now, as a department secretary, she is helping students gain similar opportunities. ‘Take FBA as an example. The faculty strongly supports students in joining competitions beyond UM, from discipline-specific business contests to sports and arts events, as well as exchanges and study‑abroad programmes.’ Chan hopes to pass on the same resources and encouraging environment that shaped her own development, so that more students can benefit.

From her days as a student to her four years working at the university, Chan has experienced UM across two campuses and two identities. Through all these transitions, the support she receives has remained constant, allowing her to keep fighting on the court. ‘I see it as a kind of destiny,’ she says. ‘And I hope it continues into the future.’

Carrying faith and passion into the future

With years of competition behind her, Chan is often asked if the National Games might be her finale. She always laughs and shakes her head. ‘I do think about retirement sometimes, but I still have that itch to play. I feel like I’ve still got more to give, so I’m not stopping yet,’ she says. Even when her playing days eventually conclude, Chan is committed to the sport. ‘Whatever happens, I’ll continue contributing to Macao’s basketball community.’

Reflecting on a journey that spans from the 2011 Arafura Games and the 2014 Lusofonia Games to this year’s National Game, Chan has witnessed the growth of Macao basketball firsthand. She understands the challenges local athletes face: most are amateurs juggling work, family, and training, often facing opponents with significant physical advantages. What keeps them moving forward, she says, is a blend of passion, perseverance, and belief. Passion provides the spark, perseverance carries them through the grind, and belief keeps their goals in sight. Together, these qualities form a torch passed from player to player, shaping Macao’s resilient sporting culture. That spirit is evident at Hou Chon Sports Club, where the women’s basketball team Chan joined this year has already grown to more than 40 members. The rising number of players, along with the return of competitions after the pandemic, gives her confidence in the sport’s future. To Chan, the vision of Macao becoming a ‘City of Sports’ feels closer than ever.

Therefore, as tournaments conclude and daily routines resume, Chan settles back into the rhythm she knows well. After her workday ends, she heads straight to the court, changing out of her office attire and into her jersey. In that familiar space, she keeps playing the sport she loves—her passion and hope still beating strong.