1999 久旱逢甘露

You might not know this, but while the KKBA’s (Kota Kinabalu Basketball Association) championship pedigree dates back to the early 1970s—with the KK girls’ team clinching the State U18 title in 1972—there was a long silence regarding state titles for Kota Kinabalu thereafter.

This lackluster era finally came to an end in 1999. That year, under the leadership of Team Manager Chong Lip Vui and coaches Soh See Kheong and Tan Pau Sun, the KK boys’ team captured the State U16 championship. This was more than just a mere trophy; it symbolized the resurgence of the KKBA and the beginning of its dominance in the Sabah basketball scene.

The 8th State U16 Youth Basketball Championship was held from September 5th to 10th, 1999, at the Tawau Community Hall. Head coach Soh See Kheong later shared that despite leading teams for over a decade, this was his first taste of a championship—a sentiment shared by assistant coach Tan Pau Sun.

The squad proved to be exceptionally strong, with many players eventually representing Sabah and winning national titles. The roster included:(4) Chim Tat Hing, (5) Chong Chee Vui, (6) Yong Sim Mong, (7) Kong Vun Bin, (8) Fung Ka Vui, (9) Chung Chun Siang, (10) Liew Chin Yet, (11) Yee Vun Teng, (12) Tsang Kwan Sian, (13) Soh Yuet Wing, (14) Soong Ka Hou, and (15) Chin Hai Thau.

With only six teams competing in the boys’ division, the tournament followed a round-robin format. The organizers’ scheduling strategy seemed to anticipate a showdown between the host, Tawau, and their perceived main rival, Sandakan. Tawau likely expected to brush aside a “shaky” KK team in the opening match to prepare for a final-day clash with Sandakan.

However, KK defied all expectations:

• Opening Match: Stunned the hosts, Tawau, with a 56–46 victory.
• Second Match: Defeated Kinabatangan, 62–50.
• Third Match: Crushed Sandakan, 78–41, effectively securing their path to the title.
• Final Matches: Routed Kota Marudu (60–3) and Lahad Datu (62–49) to complete a perfect 5–0 undefeated run.

The victory was a clean sweep of accolades. Center Soh Yuet Wing was named the Most Promising Player, and a record-breaking nine players were shortlisted for the state team: Chim Tat Hing, Kong Vun Bin, Fung Ka Vui, Chung Chun Siang, Liew Chin Yet, Yee Vun Teng, Soh Yuet Wing, Soong Ka Hou, and Chin Hai Thau.

Historical records later revealed that this was the first-ever championship for the KK boys’ team. For Ng Yiu Luen, who had served as Chairman for over six years, this was the first dawn of victory he had witnessed. After more than a decade without touching a trophy, the KKBA committee was understandably jubilant.