‘DON’T EXPLOIT LUQMAN’

Teong Kim tells opportunists to stay away from teen star

“STOP making use of Luqman Hakim Shamsudin for your own benefits.” This was stated by former Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD) technical director Lim Teong Kim who wants certain parties to desist from exploiting the the teen sensation.

Teong Kim, who has vast experience in working with youth players (he is credited with shaping the career of German World Cup star Thomas Mueller) fears that Luqman, 18, may not realise his full potential if he falls into the opportunistic plans of others.

After his headline-grabbing performance for Malaysia in the AFC Under-19 qualifiers last year, there was much talk about planning Luqman’s football career, and later the announcement of his going to Belgium club KV Kortrijk on a five-year contract.

Last week, Luqman also signed with London-based agent, Lionel Foy of El-Ef Sport Agency who said several English clubs, including Newcastle, have shown interest in signing Luqman.

And there is also talk that the AMD graduate will make a U-turn and stay with Selangor II, a Premier League side.

Luqman is still in Malaysia following a travel ban due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and his much-publicised move to Belgium pretty much hazy with no new development.

Teong Kim said he feels sorry for Luqman whom he had watched grow into a teen star in the past five years.

He said Luqman’s “current situation” is due to opportunistic individuals.

“I feel very sorry for him and they are making use of him for their own benefits.”

Teong Kim, who was a former Bayern Munich Under-19 assistant coach, said he is supportive of Luqman playing abroad.

But what is vital is the timing and the youngster’s preparation for the move to a distant place with different cultures and environments.

“The boy hopes to go to Europe and play football. But he also needs to understand that it is exceedingly difficult for Malaysian players to play in Europe,” he said.

In reference to Luqman’s rather young age for a move to Europe, Teong Kim said: “There are rulings put in place by UEFA that could threaten this (Luqman joining Kortrijk) because European football is wary of human trafficking.

“They should stop making using of this boy because it is damaging him psychologically and mentally.

“If you are sincere about helping him, tell him the truth because it is not easy to play there (Europe).

“Leave him alone (let his game develop), don’t make use of him.”

Teong Kim, who played a full season with Hertha BSC in Germany in 1987, said if Luqman doesn’t get himself out of the current situation, it may affect his career.

As it stands, Luqman is also believed to have signed a fiveyear contract with the FA of Selangor (FAS) in March.

However, FAS said they will allow the Kota Baru-born player to leave for Belgium if the time comes.

Timesport was not able to contact Luqman for comments on this report.