PETALING JAYA: Petaling Jaya City goalkeeper Damien Lim is not going to let his family’s football legacy weigh him down.
The Lim family is a household name in the local football scene with Damien’s father Seng Koon (defender) and his uncles Teong Kim (midfielder), Chuan Chin (goalkeeper), Kim Chon (leftback) and Hong Guan (goalkeeper) all having played in the M-League and for the national team in their heydays.
Surprisingly, the 23-year-old Damien did not follow the path of his father but credited Chuan Chin for his decision to choose football as a career and his determination to become a goalkeeper.
Damien said it all started just for fun but he is grateful that his well-known uncle Chuan Chin had an eye for talent.
“My brother wanted me to play football in the field in front of our house but there was no one to be the goalkeeper, and I was pulled in to be the keeper,” said Damien.
“My uncle saw me playing and told my father that I’ve the talent and offered to coach me ... that’s how it started.
“He is the one I’m closest to because he spotted my talent and even bought my first goalkeeping gloves when I was seven.
Hong Guan
“Even till now he advises me and coaches me ...
“I always get extra “homework” from him and I’ll always be grateful to him.”
The former national Under-23 player, however, does not see his family tradition as an added pressure on his shoulder.
“My father and uncles are well known figures during their time in Malaysian football and I’m happy to be the second generation player to carry the Lim’s legacy in the game but I don’t see it as a burden,” said Damien.
“I do want to be a top player but I don’t want to compare myself with what my uncles or father have achieved.
“Times have changed and I want to be known for my abilities and I’m willing to bide my time and work hard for it.”
Damien, who idolises national senior goalkeeper Farizal Marlias, is hoping to get more playing time to progress as a player.
The youngster had played with the national age-group teams, Selangor President’s Cup team and represented Kelantan in the Premier League in 2018.
All in the family: A file picture of the Lim brothers (from left) Chuan Chin, Kim Chon, Seng Koon and Teong Kim.
He then played for Selangor United last season in the Premier League too before joining Super League rookies PJ City.
He now jostles for the spot between the posts with two other young custodians Ahmad Syihan Hazmi and Kalamullah Al-Hafiz Mat Rowi.
“All three of us have a good relationship as we are all in our early 20s.
“We help each other, work hard in training and leave the coach with the headache of picking the goalkeeper,” he said in jest.
“Everyone wants to play. I left my family in PJ to get playing time with Kelantan. I believe experience is what I need now.
“It’s harder for goalkeepers to get a break compared to the outfield players but I don’t see it as an issue.
“I know goalkeepers have longer careers and my local idol Farizal, who’s a regular with the national team, is a late bloomer ... I just have to be patient and be ready to grab my chance when it comes.”
