KAMPUNG BOY KIM SENG SHOWS THERE IS LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL

Tony Mariadass

Taking every challenge with a positive approach see’s Kim Seng rise to conquer

BANTING: Former international defender, See Kim Seng, is proof that there is life after football, if one plans well, works hard, willing to face challenges, be prudent and keep one’s feet firm on the ground always.

The 56-year-old father of five daughters, who grew up at Kampong Kelanang, Banting, has come a long way to establish himself as a successful businessman, since he last played for Negri Sembilan in 1994.

He has managed a heavy machinery business successfully from 1995 to 2013, before recession saw him fold the business, then set up his own heavy machinery company for a few years, and after his last job during the building of KLIA 2, decided to go into managing a golf driving range at the Desa Driving Range at Shah Alam – his second, after the first in Bandar Baru Kelang in 2015, where his contract of the range was not renewed after three years - and now runs a seafood restaurant – Attapka – since February.

Kim Seng who took up golfing after football and was a single handicapper, also runs a coaching clinic for children at his range, but now has asked his friend to run it, because he has to concentrate on his seafood restaurant.

“I was lucky that I had people who were willing to assist me and my name as a footballer helped. But in the end, I had to prove myself and work hard to make the business successful,” said Kim Seng who had a tough life growing up.

“For instance, it was friend and my football fan, who asked to set up the heavy machinery business. The current golf range owner - David Lee Cheng Chew – has given me a good rental price as his business was down and wanted to turn it around. The seafood business belonged to my youngest brother (Kim Huat), who asked me to take over as his health was ailing.

“I come from a family of seven and was the fifth. As a 12-year-old I used to follow my late father (See Thiam Sem) who ran a fruit shop, to buy coconuts and fruits, from plantations by bicycle first before he got a motorcycle.

“Coming from a small town and kampong, I knew what hardship was all about and was always prudent and saved whatever I could for a rainy day.

“It is not how much you earn, but how much you can safe. A father can give his son 1 million ringgit, but it will all come to nought if the son does not know how to utilise the money well.

“I was very careful not to be distracted by the bright city lights when I played football. I did not earn much as compared to players these days, but I managed to safe and did not spend unnecessarily or spoil myself.”

Kim Seng said life was no different in his football career where he had to work hard and make sacrifices.

“Nothing came was on a silver platter,” said Kim Seng

Kim Seng started playing football as a striker, as a kampong boy with estate players near his home.

Chinese educated at his primary school SRJK Simpan Morib and later at SM Sg Manggis till Form Three and in SMK Telok Datuk, he first played for his school teams, before turning out for the Kuala Langat District team in the Selangor premier league.

It was with the district team that Kim Seng was spotted by the late international midfield maestro Wong Choon Wah, was who playing for Selangor Chinese Recreation Club (SCRC), when playing in the league match in Banting.

“Choon Wah and the team officials offered me a job and asked to come to the city and play for them. When I told them I was only 16 and still in school, they were surprised,” said See laughing aloud who said he was well built then itself from all the hard work he had to undergo.

“They then asked me to play for them on match days and I would travel to KL taking a bus on game day in the afternoon and return home about 10pm. My older brother (Ah Hock) would wait at the bus stand in Banting and bring me home on his motorcycle.”

Kim Seng went on to play for Selangor schools in the Rahman Cup and Razak Cup and donned national colours in the Asean Schools football championship for two years – 1981 in Jakarta and 1982 in Bangkok where he captained the team.

It was in 1984, that he was selected to the Selangor team and with a star-studded team with the likes of the late Mokhtar Dahari, K. Rajagobal, Norbit Shah and other notable names, he warmed the bench and only played one match against Armed Forces.

Next year, frustrated, he returned to just play in the Selangor league for SCRC. It was here that late Chow Kwai Lam spotted him and took him to play for Kuala Lumpur in late 1986.

See  Kim Seng (right) in KL colurs in defence with teammate Chow Siew Yai

It was Dr Josef Veglos who took charge of the KL team in 1987, that converted Kim Seng from a striker to a defender. He played for KL till 1992 (wining the Malaysia Cup for a record three times – 1987-1989), before moving to Negri Sembilan for two years before he called it quits.

Kim Seng standing back row far right with KL Malaysia Cup team with their trophies  1988 treble champions Malaysia Cup, League Cup and Charity Shield

As a national player he has a winner’s medal from the 1989 Sea Games under English coach Trevor Hartley and a 1993 Merdeka tournament medal under Australian coach Ken Worden besides playing in the World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers and King’s Cup in Thailand where he captained the team.

“I am glad that I have managed my life well after football and in something totally unrelated to football. My advice to young footballers is not just look at jobs related to football after the playing days. Venture out and take whatever opportunities are available and work hard it to make it a success.

“I am also glad that besides having done well in business, I have also educated my children well and also got them involved in sports,” said Kim Seng proudly, whose wife, Wong Show Mei was a Tanggak district volleyball player.

His youngest daughter, See Wye, who turns 13 on Aug 29, is his apple of the eye and competes in the SportsExcel Junior Golf Circuit and has represented SportExcel at the New Delhi Junior Open championship last year.

See Wye a student of SMK Bukit Jelutong, also excels rhythmic gymnastics having had podium finishes in several events, including the Vitrigo International Championship, Pesta Gimnastik (champion, group exercise) and the Selangor Schools Sports Council (MSSS) competition.

Kim Seng said he is equally proud of his other siblings, See Min, 26, (former Bukit Jalil Sports School and wushu junior national champion and now nutritionist at National Sports Institute), See Man, 23, (third year law student at Multimedia University, See Moon, 22 (graduate in Language from Universiti Malaya specialising in Italian) and See Won, 21 (waiting for entry to University). Both See Moon and See Won, also represented Selangor schools in rhythmic gymnastics.

Kim Seng with his princess standing from left  see Min, See Mon, See Man and See Won  and seated from left wife Doris Wong Show Mei and youngest daughter See Wye

 “I tried to get my other daughters involved in golf but they complained it was too hot. See Wye was different. She didn’t complain about the heat at all and from the way she swings the club and I saw natural talent” said Kim Seng of See Wye whom he introduced to the game when she was eight.

While Kim Seng admitted that he spends most of his time now at his seafood restaurant, starting as early as 7am to buy the seafood from the fishing village and open his shop from 11am to midnight, he was not going to neglect to see See Wye become a top women golfer.

His wife now manages the driving range besides her own business of cleaning services.

Former veteran international. a member of the 1972 Munich Oympics qualifying tournament in Seoul, V. Kalimutu, drops by at Attapa Seafood to support Kim Seng

While Kim Seng does not do the cooking and has hired experienced cooks, he is still busy at the restaurant taking orders, managing the cash register and making sure the food is served fast besides being the public relation man talking to his customers.

Kim Seng taking order at his restaurant

Kim Seng keeps his prices very affordable because most of his customers are from Banting and not all of them are doing well.

He also sponsors one or two tables each other for poor families around the area working with the Community Service centres.

Among his specialities and favourites among his customers are Pari Fish Curry, Fried sotong, Dried chilli chicken and Chilli Crab.

Nestled in a shed of trees, the hut-styled seating for privacy or for bigger groups at the main restaurant, it is Located at Lot 325, Jalan Pulau Banting, 42700, Banting, and open from 11.30am to 11.00pm.

ENDS

WAY FORWARD FOR EX-SPORTMEN TO GIVE BACK TO SPORTS

Tony Mariadass

 Ex-internationals can make a difference to sports standards in the country

 

Sportsmen from the tiny settlement of Setapak Hot Spring who went on to become national heroes via their football team – Hotspurs – in the 60s, can continue their legacy by giving back to the game despite their ripe age.

Hot Spring New Village from the 1960s to the 1990s and their field, was at the heart and soul of many youths from the B40 group (as they are classified now).

These youths like all others had just one desire – to excel in their lives. But opportunities were few and far between. One thing that changed the lives of many was the field, literally at the centre of the settlement. Houses ringed the field, which was the focal point of all sporting activities, like a concentric circle, and football was the most popular and not surprisingly attracted many youths to participate and to learn to enjoy the game. 

The settlement’s sports committee must surely belong in the annals of local sporting history for their achievements in producing national football players, coaches, referees, hockey players, government servants and professionals.

Hotspurs famous football sons include national players Santokh Singh, K. Ragagobal, R. Subramaniam, national youth players N. Nallathamby (also national referee) and S. Supramaniam, while in hockey, internationals Avtar Singh Gill, Updesh Singh and Balbir Singh Gill a former hockey coaching director with the national body, were also all products of Hot Spring.

Several others like late K. Gengarajoo (Rajagobal’s older brother) played for Malacca in the 70s, while others from the 80s era like late Ramachandran (Subramaniam’s brother), A. N. Chandrasegar, N. Suresh (Nallathamby’s son), Ishak Kunju (now Police FC coach) played for Kuala Lumpur youth and senior team.

Our playing field from left Supramaniam, Steven, Tommy, Rajagobal, Thomas, Pathimanathan, Santokh, Rajasooria and front row Subramaniam, Nallathamby and Ishak

Today, the group which is still together and meet regularly to reminisce their sporting heyday, believe they can still contribute towards and help the younger generation of sportsmen especially the less fortunate who are in dire need of assistance.

Fittingly, on Sept 16 which is Malaysia Day, seven members of the Hotspurs football squad made their way to the MySkills Foundation Campus in Kalumpang, Hulu Selangor.

The brainchild of lawyer S. Pasupathi, the Foundation was created for children (boys and girls) from broken homes, the less fortunate, those involved in gangs and school dropouts who have very limited opportunities and regarded "At-Risk Youths", to get a crack at mainstream life.

The Foundation’s goal was to give these youths another chance at life. Founded about 10 years ago, its main aim is to move these children from a vulnerable environment to a secure homely atmosphere which could alter their lives.

The general idea is to teach them a set of skills and link it with Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM.) These youths join the Foundation when they 13 years and remain till they are 19 and are thought living as well as vocational skills. At the end of their stay before they leave the campus, they are presented with a skill certificate which hopefully will help them meet life's challenges. 

The 35-acre campus at Kalumpang was bought partly with Government assistance in 2014 and took in the first batch of students in early 2018.

Still being developed in phases, it is currently home to about 60 boys between the ages of 13 and 19 years. The first batch of girls are expected to move in early next year as soon as their dormitory is ready.

About 1,000 youths have so far graduated from MySkills since its inception. 

Hotspurs FC members saw an opportunity to give back to the game through sports, mainly football which is a main element of character building which could benefit the children of Myskills.

 Group photo with all players of Myskills, their directors and Hotspurs players at the end coaching session at their campus in Kalumpang.

“We have been looking for an opportunity where we can share our experience with a young group with similar interest and MySkills fitted the bill. Besides, they have excellent sporting facilities in Kalumpang and we saw an opportunity where this centre can become a hub to produce players for the future, just like what Hot Springs did,” said Supramaniam who, besides playing for Malaysia in the Asian football tournament, also did Setapak proud by graduating as a lawyer from University of Malaya and is now the president of the Malaysian Evaluation Society.

And it was indeed a treat for the boys of the Foundation when the Hotspurs team who visited them included Santokh Singh, Nallathamby, Rajagobal, Surpramaniam, Lt Col (Rtd) Tommy Pereira (one of the founder members of Hotspurs), Steven Puung (president of the veteran Hotspurs FC) and S. Logarajah (former Hotspurs player and chef who held a demonstration at the campus).

The visiting Hotspurs, after a briefing by the CEO of MySkills Campus, Devasharma Gangadaran and a tour of the campus, interacted with the 25 players who are part of the football programme at the campus, before giving motivational talks.

Pereira spoke of his life in Hotspring and his stint at Sanders UK (where he did his army training), Santokh elicited much enthusiasm with his witty remarks and Rajagobal talked of the exploits of the Malaysian team, especially the winning teams under his care in Asean Football Federation tournament and SEA Games. A short video clip was shown to impress the young minds on what is possible.

 

The action then moved to the field where all Hotspurs players – Rajagopal, Santokh, Nallathamby - took them through proper techniques of warm-ups. The boys were then divided into two teams to play a game and after observing them play for a while, Rajagobal and Santokh stopped the game to point out the good and bad points of their game and mistakes they should avoid. 

The MySkills team were presented with two sets of jerseys and training balls by Hotspurs officials. 

Presentation of training balls and jerseys by Rajagobal to director of MySkills, Pasupathi with others from left Nallathamby, Santokh, Raghavan Annamala, Pasupathi Sithamparam (Myskills directors) Devasharm

Supramaniam said Hotspurs intend to continue to assist the team by holding coaching clinics from time to time and to find a permanent coach for them.

 “We also intend to send one or two volunteer officials who work in the campus to attend a basic coaching course so that they can coach the team more regularly and monitor their progress. There are also plans to enter the team in a local league or even organise a youth league for teams in the Hulu Selangor area.

“We hope our efforts will see a few raw talents move up the ranks and become future stars.”

Rajagobal conducting a training session assisted by Santokh and Nallathamby

Indeed, it was a noble gesture by the Hotspurs veterans and if only other ex-international and state associations of various sports can emulate them, sports will certainly benefit a great deal, especially those who are deprived of the opportunity of proper training and avenues.

Sometimes, it is not all about money, but what one can give back from the benefits they have reaped and were lucky to have had opportunities available to them.

Ends.

GOLFER P. GUNASEGARAN PASSES ON - A TRIBUTE TO HIM

‘JACK NICKLAUS OF MALAYSIA’

    

MARCH 26, 2017 MALAYMAIL

MALAYSIAN golf shed a tear yesterday.

One of its pioneering heroes, P. Gunasegaran died at Selayang Hospital at 10am. He was 53.

Gunasegaran’s son Yogendran, said his father passed away from multiple organ failure due to a stroke that he had suffered a few days ago.

Fellow professional Airil Rizman, said Gunasegaran suffered his first stroke a few years back.

Popularly known as P. Gunasegaran or Guna, he was best remembered for his heroics in the 1994 Malaysian Open at Royal Selangor Golf Club.

He played the best final round of his life when he got into an epic eight-hole playoff with Frank Nobilo and Joakim Haegmann.

In an exclusive interview with Golf Digest Malaysia in 2011, Gunasegaran finally told the nation what had happened that fateful Sunday.

“People were asking what’s going on, what happened to my life and how could I have missed that crucial putt in the playoff to lose the Malaysian Open title and where did I go from there,” Gunasegaran recalled.

“I had two chances to win during the playoff but I missed putts from 12 feet. I made some mistakes.”

He added: “At the end of the day, I could honestly say I had given my best shot, went all out in that tournament for the country and for myself.

“I kept my cool for that final putt but sometimes in golf, just like in life itself, things do not work out the way you planned and I missed the putt. Disappointed? Definitely.

“That was a big miss indeed. But, I wouldn’t cry over spilled milk and feel miserable my whole life.

“I shunned the media spotlight, because there was nothing to be told or glorified about that missed putt. To me, it’s just another game which I didn’t win.”

Together with former pro M. Ramayah, Gunasegaran brought golf into the forefront by regularly performing well on the local and international circuits.

They were the top two golfers in the country and were the go-to guys when the national team came calling.

During the 1990s when on the rare occasions golf events were televised, Malaysians loved to tune in and watch these two gentlemen play alongside the world’s best golfers.

Gunasegaran rarely disappointed.

Coming from a modest income family, Gunasegaran had to fight all his life to make a decent living.

He started as caddie in his hometown of Kuala Kubu Baru in 1972, earning a mere RM0.80 before getting a raise to RM2.50.

He turned pro 20 years later, but not before winning a SEA Games gold medal in 1989.

He was also planning to open an academy at his old club as a way of giving back to the game.

Before his death, there was uncertainty and confusion among the golf fraternity as it was initially reported he had died on Friday.

It turned out to be untrue as he was still on life support but by which time, many had paid tribute and expressed their condolences.

It all started on Tuesday when a relative went to check on him after friends and family were unable to reach him for almost three days.

They noticed he was alone at home and in distress. He could not move and had probably not eaten anything for the three days he was unreachable.

Paramedics were summoned and they rushed Gunasegaran to Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital on Tuesday night where he was placed under observation.

At 4am Wednesday morning, they moved the 1989 SEA Games gold medallist to Hospital Selayang where he had a stroke the following day.

He hung on for two more days before taking his last breathe.

Gunasegaran leaves wife N. Nalina, 38, son Yogendran, 21, and daughters, Thanusha, 18, and Thanushini, 14.

● Patrick Ho is editor of
Golf Digest Malaysia

TRIBUTES

    

MARCH 26, 2017 MALAYMAIL 

R. Nachimuthu (former national golfer)

“We have been travelling together the past two years since his health started deteriorating. He couldn’t handle the long drives alone. We shared a lot about golf and how we could improve our game. He was a very quiet person and kept mostly to himself. I enjoyed our trips as he was someone I looked up to as a senior. He always had time to give me advice when I needed it. I’ll miss him.”

M. Ramayah (former national golfer)

“He was someone who had strong beliefs. If he felt he was right he would not budge and always stood up for his friends. When he was Malaysia’s No 1, he didn’t look for sponsors. He was a fierce fighter on the course and a gentleman off it. He had been taking medicine for kidney, diabetes and high blood pressure. Two years ago he stopped taking medicine as it was getting too expensive. Guna said he was doing fine without it after a year of not taking medicine regularly.”

B. Rajkumar (former national athlete)

“He was my childhood friend. He was a quiet person, very confident in his abilities. Guna never hurt anyone and would lend a helping hand if needed.”

Gavin Green
(professional golfer)

“He was a legend and his success paved the way for many! I see him as the Jack Nicklaus of Malaysia. He was hard working and determined and most importantly, he truly did love golf.”

Danny Chia
(professional golfer)

“Guna was a quiet person but when he talks, it’s straight to the point. He inspired me a lot, especially when he almost won the Malaysian Open. He has done so much for professional golf in Malaysia. He will be missed.”

Airil Rizman
(professional golfer)

“He was definitely a great man and an idol to all of us. True definition of hard work pays off. RIP.”

Nicholas Fung (professional golfer)

“It’s a loss for Malaysian golf. His presence and contributions will always be remembered.”

By Tony Mariadass

tonym@mmail.com.my

Guna’s green, green grass of home

[Interview conducted May, 2016 in Kuala Kubu Baru]

Golfer Periasamy Gunasegaran is still staying relevant in the game thanks to his club – Kuala Kubu Baru Golf and Country Club (KKBGC) – and close friends from this town.

Born and bred in this small town, Gunasegaran, who is still best remembered as the closest to being the first Malaysian to win the Malaysian Open in 1994 when he lost in an epic eight-hole play-off to Sweden’s Joakim Haeggmann, is still making a name for himself at the game.

At 53, Gunasegeran won the Asian Senior Master 2016 at the Tering Bay Golf and Country Club in Batam in early April to book the only ticket from Asia to compete in the PGA Senior Tour champions event – the Insperity Invitational (May 2-8) - at the Woodlands Country Club in Houston.

Playing in a field of 81 golfers which was rated as one the strongest field of the Tour, Gunasegaran had for company the who’s who list of golfers with the likes of 2015 champion Ian Woosnam , seven other past winners of the event—Larry Nelson (2004), Mark McNulty (2005), Jay Haas (2006), John Cook (2009), Brad Faxon (2011), Fred Funk (2012) and Esteban Toledo (2013) and in addition, five World Golf Hall-of-Fame members - Tom Kite, Mark O’Meara, Curtis Strange, Colin Montgomerie and Sandy Lyle.

“I was simply amazed at field. It was a lifetime dream come true as the field had a combination of golf’s legends, new PGA tour champions members, Hall of Fame members and the best players in the world age 50 and over,” said Gunasegran who finished 48^th.

“You say anything about these legends, but they were a friendly lot who had time for everyone. I was not only rubbing shoulders with them, but had them giving words of encouragement and having conversations with them. It was an experience of a lifetime for me.”

Guansegeran said that he had to thank his club, where he had started off as a caddy in 1972 to have become an amateur golfer, a professional and still playing.

“I owe it to my club members who have very supportive in me making golf a career. Without their financial support I will not have achieved all I have till date,” said the resident pro of KKBGC.

“Besides my club, another hometown friend, S. Gopi, a successful businessman has been very supportive and if for his substantial contribution I would not have made it to Houston,” said Gunasegaran who had to spend about RM17,000 for the US trip besides another RM5,000 for the qualifier in Batam.

“I am also indebted to my equipment sponsor – Srixon – who have supported me for the last 20 years.”

Gunasegran started caddying with his childhood buddy, B. Rajkumar – the Asian Track and Field championship 800m gold medallist in 1985 in Jakarta and who still holds the national record with his winning time of 1.47.37

“Rajukumar was an excellent golfer too and a single handicapper. But he choose to take up athletics, while I decided it was golf for me,” said Gunasegaran who still plays with Rajkumar at the club course.

Gunasegeran who was a member of the Sea Games gold medal winning team at the 1989 Games in Kuala Lumpur and individual silver at the 1991 Manila Sea, turned professional in 1992 winning his first title as a pro at the Singapore PGA the same year. There has been no looking back since then winning numerous titles.

KKB has been a haven for top golfers for besides, Gunasegaran, it has had two other professionals – R. Narchimuthu and late A. Dorairaj.

Guansegaran is hoping that a fourth golfer from KKBGC will do the small town proud, but said that things have changed from the time they used to play.

“We hardly get any local boys playing here. Almost everyone has left for the brighter city lights. Those days, the golf course was our source of extra income as schoolboys. We caddied and earned starting with 80 sen and in the later years, about RM2.50 for a round of 18 holes.

“Today we have no caddies. The golfers use the buggy.”

But Gunasegeran still remains very relevant at KKBGC as he is looked upon by the members for tips in the game and also to have him play a round of game with them.

“I do conduct coaching course to individuals who approach me. Tried to start a gold academy here, but there was little response.”

Gunasegaran said he is just happy with what he is doing and playing in senior tournaments from time to time, while KKBGC will remain his home forever.