KUCHING: Former Harimau Malaya head coach Tan Cheng Hoe believes veteran-driven competitions like the Chinese Lunar New Year Kirin Cup can play a vital role in inspiring younger Chinese footballers while sustaining community participation in the sport.
The 5th Chinese Lunar New Year Kirin Cup got underway at Arena Cascara Stadium from Jan 24 to 25 last weekend, featuring eight teams from Malaysia and Singapore in a two-day football showcase held in conjunction with the festive Lunar New Year period. The tournament is jointly organised by Hipmau Football Club and iHUB Football Club.
Tan, who also served as Malaysia’s national technical director and led the national team to the 2018 AFF Cup final, was present at the Kirin Cup closing dinner held at KTS Garden.
He praised the tournament’s steady growth since its inception and its ability to unite players through football, regardless of age or weather challenges.
“This tournament started in 2019 in Penang during its first edition, organised by co-founder Alvin Tan. Over the years, it has progressed very well and has now become an annual competition,”
“I think the participants and players really enjoy this kind of tournament, especially one organised for the Chinese community,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
According to Tan, the commitment shown by participants — many of whom are veterans reflected the enduring passion for the game. He noted that players continued to compete at a high level regardless of rain or shine, pushing themselves to their limits against quality opposition.
While acknowledging that the Kirin Cup predominantly features veteran players, Tan expressed hope that such tournaments could help reignite interest among younger Chinese footballers, a group he said has seen declining participation in recent years.
“With this veteran set of players, hopefully they can really inspire the younger generation, especially as fewer youths from the Chinese community are taking up football,” he said.
Tan also encouraged parents to involve their children in the sport, emphasising that football offers more than just competition.
“I encourage parents to get their children involved in football because it not only gives passion, motivation and discipline, but also shapes a person’s character and helps them in life beyond the game,” he added.
This year’s Kirin Cup saw teams from Pulau Pinang, Selangor, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Pahang and host Sarawak competing alongside a visiting side from Singapore, further reinforcing the tournament’s role as a regional platform for camaraderie, cultural celebration and football development.
