KUALA LUMPUR: For years, the image of Malaysian sporting success for most Chinese families here has been badminton or basketball, rather than football, with Datuk Lee Chong Wei hailed as a symbol of excellence.
The Malaysian Chinese Football Association (MCFA) now wants to change that narrative.
At the launch of the Unity Cup in Bukit Jalil today, MCFA deputy president Datuk Ng Choon Boon said the new tournament aims to revive football within the Chinese community and make the sport part of their culture again.
“On the field, we don’t see race, religion or background. What we have is teamwork, respect and the fight for shared success,” he said.
For Choon Boon, who is also active in Chinese education, the challenge isn’t just about organising matches, it’s about changing mindsets.
“Most Chinese parents send their kids to badminton or basketball, that’s the culture in our schools,” he said.
“Everyone knows Chong Wei. He’s a hero. But football can inspire the same pride if we give it the right platform.”
Choon Boon said MCFA’s long-term plan includes introducing football programmes at Chinese primary and secondary schools to develop talent from the grassroots.
“This isn’t a three-year project… It’s a 10-year vision. We want to plant the seeds now so that one day, we’ll see young Chinese players proudly representing Malaysia again.”
Choon Boon said MCFA wants to build a more straightforward path for local Chinese players to reach the national team, a space currently dominated by mixed-heritage or naturalised Malaysians.
“We want to bring back the legacy of Datuk Soh Chin Ann,” he said.
“Our goal is to help young Chinese players perform and rise through the M-League, and eventually wear the national jersey.”
But he also admitted that issues such as salary delays and poor club management, have discouraged Chinese families from allowing their children to pursue football professionally.
“That’s a real concern. Without proper funding and structure, MCFA won’t jump in blindly. We want to do this right, with sustainability and credibility.”
The Unity Cup, scheduled for Nov 28–30 in Shah Alam, will feature 16 teams from across Malaysia competing for RM5,000 in prize money and the Datuk Ng Choon Boon Challenge Trophy.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
