But that AFF Suzuki Cup success has taken a back seat for now for the former international from Kedah for the simple reason that he was only the assistant to then head coach Datuk K. Rajagobal.
Today, Cheng Hoe seeks “glory” as the supremo and acknowledged that it is a “heavy burden” he carries on his shoulders as Malaysia seek to win only their second regional title.
The AFF Suzuki Cup is the much sought after silverware in the region’s premier football tournament in the ASEAN region.
Cheng Hoe, however, is quick to point out that winning the AFF Suzuki Cup in 2010 is the “drive and motivation” in his journey in the 12th edition of the tournament which has seen Thailand winning it a record five times (1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2106) followed by Singapore with four (1998, 2004, 2007, 2012).
The only other team to have won the trophy, apart from Malaysia (2010), is Vietnam in 2008.
“I have seen the joy and happiness on the faces of all in the team when we won the AFF Suzuki Cup for the first time in 2010. I was part of those celebrations which cannot be described in words,” said Cheng Hoe.
“We had a great team that was built around players who had helped Malaysia win the SEA Games football gold in Laos (2009). I was also part of that team.”
He sees a fierce battle in the 12th edition this year but in the same breath is optimistic that his team can regain the title th.ey last won eight years ago
“The present squad has the depth and I have faith in them (players),” added Cheng Hoe – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
