Ex-Perak player Wing Hoong seeks Sukma gold with Silver State

PETALING JAYA: Former international footballer Chan Wing Hoong is among several local coaches who will be out to earn his stripes at the Malaysia Games (Sukma).

Wing Hoong is a household name in the Silver State, winning two Malaysia Cups in 1998 and 2000.

He is also one of the longest-serving players with Perak, featuring in three stints in 19982005, 2007–2008 and 2011-2012.

The 41-year-old Wing Hoong, who has also served as assistant coach with Super League outfit PKNP, said that becoming a head coach is a big step up.

“This is actually my second big job as a head coach – I coached Liga Bolasepak Rakyat team Batang Padang in 2016. Then I joined PKNP as an assistant coach,” said the Ipoh local.

“Being a head coach comes with more challenges. I think Sukma is a good stage for new coaches to show what they can do. I hope to learn from this experience and get the team to deliver results.

“Although Sukma is just an Under-21 event, a lot of seasoned coaches are here and the stakes are quite high actually.”

Wing Hoong’s boys started their campaign on a drab note after being held 1-1 by Sarawak in their Group A opener at the Manjung City Council Stadium on Saturday.

The Crocs took an early lead through Amir Amri Salleh in the second minute before Muhammad Asyraaf Mat Pushni saved the blushes for the hosts through a free-kick in the 51st minute.

Wing Hoong said that his side had a nervy start and squandered too many chances including a spot-kick.

He added that they needed to bounce back in their next game against Perlis today.

“The team were only set up a month ago with players from the Perak and PNKP President’s Cup squads, so it’s not easy to get them to play the same style,” he said.

“The players were nervous playing in front of the sell-out crowd at the stadium and ended up wasting so many chances. We will work on this area for the next game.”