AFTER officially signing a three-year contract with Bukit Tambun FC today, Teo Wei Kern, 19, also known as Owen Teo, is set for a loan move to a football club based in Croatia called NK Precko.
Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, who witnessed the contract signing between Bukit Tambun FC and Teo, was full of praise for the young full-back and said the main reason of the loan move was to equip Teo with in-depth experience of playing with international players.
“The lad’s a great talent, and although he has previously played for local teams in England while pursuing his studies there, this will be a different ball game as he is set to take on a new challenge in his footballing career.
“He will be leaving for Croatia tomorrow and we (Bukit Tambun FC) would like to wish him all the best there.
“It is truly a proud moment not only for us, but for Penang as well. It is not easy to be recognised as a talent and represent your country in the international stage.
“Hopefully Teo will further improve his football skills and tactical awareness with the players at his loan club,” Goh said during a brief press conference at Suria 1 Apartments in Batu Kawan today.
It was learnt that Teo started his footballing career in 2014 when he played for Malaysisn School Sports Council (MSSM) U-12.
From 2015 to 2019, during his further studies in England, he went on to play for several local clubs and gained valuable experiences alongside international football players.
According to Goh, he returned to Malaysia in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Upon returning, he joined Penang FC U-19.
“His contract with Penang FC ended yesterday.
“We saw a great talent in him, so we decided to sign and make him our player,” Goh added.
Bukit Tambun FC is a new kid on the block; hence, Goh has assured that the coaches, technical staff and other authorised individuals are working closely with primary and secondary schools in Bukit Tambun to recruit new players.
“A lot of work needs to be done. We have contacted SMK Mutiara Impian and SMK Simpang Ampat to see if the schools have players with passion for football.
“We will coach them and hope to form our very own popular 25-player squad very soon,” Goh added.
Meanwhile, Teo said he is glad to have signed the deal with Bukit Tambun FC and is looking forward to his loan spell at NK Precko.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for me to prove what I can do on the field,” he said.
Teo, whose natural position is right-back, can also play as a central midfielder. He is a fan of Jordi Alba, a Spaniard who plays for Barcelona.
“I have always admired Alba’s playing style, and he is clearly one of the best full-backs in the world,” he said.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal