KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 — Fond memories of the late football legend Chow Chee Keong were shared at the celebration of his life yesterday, as members of the Hong Chin Veteran football club recalled their moments together.

Its former coach RV Linggam, 70, remembered the times when the goalkeeping icon would draw the attention of the town’s aspiring youth footballers to their daily practises.

“He had the ability of motivating people like no other, crowds of football fans and young footballers would come to watch the practise,” he said at a remembrance event at the Nirvana Memorial Centre here.

“Every boy or girl who came saw how good he was, it was hard not to watch him play as he wasn’t just excellent at what he did, he was also animated on the field.”

RV Linggam, 70, speaks to Malay Mail during the late Chow Chee Keong's wake at the Nirvana Memorial Centre in Sungai Besi February 22, 2018.
RV Linggam, 70, speaks to Malay Mail during the late Chow Chee Keong's wake at the Nirvana Memorial Centre in Sungai Besi February 22, 2018.

The club’s secretary Michael Yei, 63, said that he was always impressed by Chow’s humility.

“He was never the proud type, anybody could approach him and be his friend,” he said.

“He was the club’s goalkeeper for three seasons after he returned from his stint in Hong Kong, he always gave me the security I needed as a centre back player.”

“Chee Keong was a star and it wasn’t just who played with him that benefited, even the younger ones did because of his willingness to teach,” Yei added.

He added that the club was celebrating its 50th year anniversary on July 21 and was hoping that the group would be reunited again.

Michael Yei (pic) said that he was always impressed by Chow’s humility.
Michael Yei (pic) said that he was always impressed by Chow’s humility.

“But things evidently will not turn out the way I was hoping, it happened so suddenly,” said Yei.

“Prior to the anniversary celebration we were planning a futsal tournament on July 14, you may not believe me but Chee Keong signed up for the event.”

“I even remember that during the 48th anniversary, he was on stage singing, but whatever it is, we hope to now remember him as the brilliant person he was,” he said.

Chow passed away on Wednesday morning at 8.08am due to a septicemia infection after he underwent a heart bypass on January 17.

“His bypass was successful and he was recovering, but during his recovery my dad developed internal bleeding due to ulcers,” said Chow’s son, Adrian.

“The doctors did everything possible to save my father, but with prolonged stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and infections from the ICU, he passed away peacefully.”

A wake service will be held tonight at 8.30pm at the Nirvana Memorial Centre, Carnation Room 11, while the funeral service will take place on Saturday at 10am at the same centre.