Handball captain steers team to victory in Mayor’s Cup

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FACT FILE

Name: Yeo Kong Cheng
Date of Birth: 24 Jan 1992
Ht: 1.72m Wt: 78kg
School: SMK Bukit Jalil (Form Five)
Hobbies: Basketball, futsal, swimming
Ambition: Architect
Favourite Sports Personality: Kobe Bryant (LA Lakers)
Coach: Ng Num Thiam (SMK Bukit Jalil)

Unleashing a shot: Yeo combining his powerful shots with quick footwork.

Achievements:

2007
- MSSKL Bangsar zone boys’ Under-15 third
- Represented Bangsar zone in MSSKL
- Represented MSSKL in MSSM

2008
- MSSKL Bangsar zone boys’ Under-18 third

2009
- Kuala Lumpur Mayor’s Cup boys’ Under-18 champions
- Putrajaya Open boys’ Under-18 champions
- MSSKL Bangsar zone boys’ Under-18 runners-up
- MSSKL boys’ Under-18 runners-up
- Represented MSSKL in MSSM

STOCKY handball player Yeo Kong Cheng ended his stint as the boys’ Under-18 captain for the SMK Bukit Jalil side on a winning note.

Last Sunday, the 17-year-old led his school side to capture their second title of the season when they emerged as the champions in boys’ section of the Kuala Lumpur Mayor’s Cup at the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Sports Arena.

Yeo said they had a good season producing respectable results featuring for the school side this year.

Besides the recent victory, they were also the winners in the boys’ category at the Putrajaya Open.

“Honestly, we have not accomplished anything outstanding. But, we had a great experience representing the school in various competitions. It will be a sad moment when we go our separate ways after completing our SPM examination at the end of the year. Developing good team work together on court has also helped us to foster closer ties. We will always treasure our friendship and cherish the trials and tribulations we went through together over the past five years,” he added.

At the recent one-day meet, they overcame arch rivals SM Agama Persekutuan Kajang (SMAPK) 12-8 in the semi-finals to set up the decider against Putrajaya.

And they went on all the way defeating Putrajaya with a comfortable 12-5 score line.

In the final alone, Yeo who played as the centre slotted five goals in the match.

“It has always been tough against SMAPK. Previously, we also prevailed with a narrow 9-7 victory against them at the Putrajaya Open final. They have players with good physique and they are improving,” Yeo said.

Coming from a basketball background, the former SJK (C) St Theresa pupil picked up handball when he entered secondary school.

“It was a smooth transition because of the similar skills required in both games. However, it is more demanding in handball to outwit the opponents’ defensive formation in the robust game.

“Teamwork is crucial in linking up the precise movement to put the ball behind the net. It is interesting to learn from the more established foreign teams taking on each other on television. It is amazing watching their combining their swift moves with the high tempo rhythm throughout the match,” Yeo said.

Two years ago, Yeo made his debut for the Kuala Lumpur Schools Sports Council (MSSKL) in the boys’ Under-15 competition at the Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM) meet.

He went on to don the MSSKL stripes in the boys’ Under-18 contest at the MSSM competition in Kedah this year.

Although MSSKL did not go on both occasions, Yeo had the privilege to feature on the starting line-up.

SMK Bukit Jalil coach Ng Num Thiam praised Yeo for complementing his powerful shots with quick footwork.

“He has definitely contributed with his pivotal role in the school team. Next year, we are hoping to recruit the school leavers comprising former MSSKL representatives and field a side in the fifth National Handball Clubs League scheduled from February to May. It is an effort to provide an avenue for youngsters to continue to pursue the game after finishing secondary school,” Ng added.