Sai Kung Friends were promoted to Hong Kong First Division for the first time.

However, HKFC and Fire Services both declined promotion, allowing Friends to remain in the First Division.

In 1999–2000, striker Tomy Adriano Giacomeli transferred to Happy Valley, Sai Kung Friends' strength continued to decline.

[1] Finally, after finishing seventh place in the top league for two seasons in a row, Sai Kung Friends announced retirement from football rather than accept a demotion back to lower divisions.

[2] After finishing in third place in the 2016–17 season, Friends were promoted into the Second Division after a decade-long exodus in the lowest tier of Hong Kong football.