www.ukrc.com.my - Ulu Klang Recreation Club

SEVERAL former internationals have given the thumbs-up to the Milo-Royal Selangor Club (RSC) Under-12 International Soccer 7s held at the RSC ground in Bukit Kiara last weekend.

Wong Choon Wah, considered one of the best midfielders, commended RSC for organising a competition for young footballers.

Zakir (left) trying to get past an MPPJ player during the final.

“It was interesting to see the young boys playing some good football. In fact, several of my former teammates were also impressed with the children's approach to the game.

“They showed a lot of creativity in the game. They had excellent individual skills. More competitions like that one should be organised to give these young players valuable exposure,” said Wong.

Former Singapore midfielder R. Suriamurthi, who is currently coaching a junior squad in the republic, shared Wong's sentiments.

“I have been following this competition closely. The competition is getting better each year and I could see a lot of new talents,” said Suriamurthi.

A total of 16 teams, including six foreign teams, took part in the two-day Under-12 competitions. After the preliminary rounds, the top two teams from each group advanced to the quarterfinals while the bottom two teams moved to the Plate category.

Singapore's Coever Coaching and Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ) qualified for the final. In an interesting match which featured both sides playing an attacking game, Zakir Mohamed scored the only goal to give Coever Coaching a 1-0 win. Zakir was also voted the Man of the Final.

Ulu Klang Recreation Club (UKRC) president Andrew Gopal said they were impressed with the organisation of the competition.

“This is the first time we were invited for the Under-12 category. We fielded players from our junior development programme and they finished second in the Plate category. It was good experience for the players.

Organising chairman Anthony Tong (left) presenting the challenge trophy to the Coever Coaching team.

“It was also an opportunity for the young boys to make new friends,” said Andrew.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) secretary Datuk Peter Velappan, who was the guest of honour, gave away the prizes to the winners.