Kwok Tak Sin, a goalkeeper for Persija Jakarta in the 1960s, was instrumental in facilitating the transfer of four Indonesian players to the Hong Kong club MacKinnon Mackenzie. Although not widely recognized as a legend, his contributions as both a player and an agent greatly influenced the local football landscape and provided valuable opportunities for emerging talent.
In the 1960s, Kwok Tak Sin served as the goalkeeper for Persija Jakarta, garnering notable attention as an intermediary facilitating opportunities for young players. His efforts enabled four players, including members of the Persija squad, to join the Hong Kong football club MacKinnon Mackenzie. The players who made this transition included Surya Lesmana, Gunawan, Jeffrey, and Risdianto. Although Kwok Tak Sin did not achieve legendary status, his contributions to Indonesian football and the development of young talent remain significant. Kwok Tak Sin, of Chinese descent, had a brief but impactful career in Indonesian football. His earlier experience included playing for Tunas Jaya, a club comprised predominantly of Chinese Indonesian youth, prior to his stint with Persija. This club was an integral part of Jakarta’s football landscape during the early 1950s, alongside others such as UMS and Hercules. Kwok was later recruited to represent the Macan Kemayoran, the nickname for Persija, but his professional playing career was relatively short-lived. After retiring, he returned to Hong Kong but maintained a connection to Indonesian football. In August 1974, he successfully brought three Indonesian youngsters—Surya Lesmana, Gunawan, and Jeffrey—to play for MacKinnon Mackenzie. Subsequently, in September of the same year, Risdianto also joined the team. At that time, Surya was 27, Gunawan was 25, Risdianto was 24, and Jeffrey was 18, with Gunawan being the only married player among them. An article from Majalan Tempo dated November 30, 1974, underscored Tak Sin’s role as an agent, stating, “Kwok Tak Sin became the intermediary for MacKinnon Mackenzie to bring in Surya Lesmana, Gunawan, and Jeffrey in August. Subsequently, Risdianto joined the following month. It must be noted that Tak Sin played a critical role not only as a connector but also as an assistant coach to Yu Cheuk Yin.” The article further highlighted his close association with Franky Chow, the owner of MacKinnon Mackenzie, who influenced the club’s recruitment strategies.
The narrative of Kwok Tak Sin is entwined with the development of Indonesian football during the 1960s, particularly through his role with Persija. At a time when football was gradually evolving in Indonesia, Kwok’s contributions as both a player and an intermediary were significant in promoting local talent abroad. His link with MacKinnon Mackenzie opened doors for Indonesian players to gain international experience, thereby enriching their football careers and nurturing the sport in Indonesia. The clubs mentioned, including Tunas Jaya, were vital in shaping the football scene in Jakarta, serving as incubators for young talents, especially those from the Chinese Indonesian community.
In summary, Kwok Tak Sin played a pivotal role in the realm of Indonesian football during the 1960s, notably as a goalkeeper for Persija and later as an influential agent. His successful facilitation of players such as Surya Lesmana, Gunawan, Jeffrey, and Risdianto to the Hong Kong club MacKinnon Mackenzie not only showcased his dedication to the sport but also highlighted the importance of cross-border opportunities for young talent. Through his actions, Kwok contributed to the development and recognition of Indonesian football on a broader stage.
Original Source: www.skor.id
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