The twin terrors

Hassan (left) and Wong after being selected as assistant coaches for the Sabah state football team.

THE deadly duo of James Wong and Hassan Sani are still together since they orchestrated the glorious winning goal (2-1) against South Korea to qualify for the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

After 36 years since their heroics with the national team, the duo have now taken on new roles as assistant managers with the Sabah Football Association in their bid to inspire promising talents for the nation.

So, what made them tick and become feared strikers in Asia?

It was the strong understanding they built playing together with Sabah and the national team since the 1970’s.

Hassan and James have played together for 14 years as twin strikers for Sabah.

“We used to thrash the state teams by big margins, too.

“We were comfortable with each other’s playing styles.

“This was the same partnership which helped us score the winning goal against South Korea and qualify for the Moscow Olympics.

“Of course, it was teamwork and everyone played their roles effectively.

“James and I discussed a lot on counter-attack strategies and how to complement each other’s playing styles,” said Hassan.

“When I received the ball from Khalid (Ali), I knew what I was going to do and James knew what to expect from me.

“People always say this: where there is James, there is always Hassan.

“These are the same qualities we require in all positions in the present national team.

“They must build up a strong partnership like Soh Chin Aun and Santokh Singh had in defence those days,” added Hassan.

PROFILE

JAMES WONG

Age: 62

Date of birth: June 26, 1953

Place of birth: Kota Kinabalu

State: Sabah 1972-85

National: 1974-82

PROFILE

HASSAN SANI

Age: 57

Date of birth: Aug 31, 1958

Place of birth: Labuan

State: Sabah 1977-84

National: 1978-86