“Two down, one more to go.”
That is the promise of HTC Kuala Lumpur owner Datuk Jimmy Hoo Tat Chang after his club won the 16th UKRC International Soccer 9s this evening.
HTC retained the trophy following a hard-fought 4-3 penalty shootout win over Indonesia’s Bintang Timur when their match ended 0-0 after extra time at Kompleks Sukan Setiawangsa in Wangsa Maju.
The champions won RM1,500 while the runners-up received RM750.
“The goal is to win it at least three times in a row to match the achievement of Indonesian club Kwarta who won in 2014, 2015 and 2016,” said Hoo, 52.
“I formed the club due to my love of football and did not expect to win the tournament then. But, after we did, the players asked me to keep the club going and we set the target of winning the title for at least three consecutive times.
“it’s two down and One more to go. we will be back next year to make it a hattrick.”
Hoo said the long-running tournament was a chance for “oldies to meet up with their buddies to have a good time”.
“This two-day tournament is about meeting friends and creating memories. We are delighted to be part of it,” he added.
Earlier, Australia’s The Pirates edged Beluga 5-4 on penalties in the Plate Final.
Organising chairman and Ulu Klang Recreation Club president Andrew Gopal hoped the tournament would return to its spiritual home in Ulu Klang soon.
“We are still fighting to get our field back. Once that happens, it will be an even grander tournament and we could even get more teams,” he said.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the management of the Kompleks Sukan Setiawangsa for being a gracious host.”
The event was supported by 100Plus, Kappa and Aman Wangi Development Sdn Bhd. F&N regional event and sponsorship manager Muhammad Fauzi Ahmad and Destar Nurani director Tan Wai Cheong gave away the prizes.
