James Wong

Who is James Wong?

James Wong is a former Malaysian footballer who is a striker for Malaysia national football team and Sabah. He also played as a goalkeeper for Malaysia youth team in 1971 Asian Youth Championship. He was known as King James by the local fans.

Wong is the first Sabahan to represent Malaysia in 1971. He played professionally for Hakoah in Australia New South Wales Premier League for two years.

Wong is well known for his physical and finishing touch. His partnership with Hassan Sani produced many memorable goal for Sabah and Malaysia. The most memorable one was in the 1980 Olympic games qualification.

In the 1980 Olympic games qualification, Malaysia won the play-off against South Korea with a 2–1 score in the Merdeka Stadium. Wong himself scored the winning goal, thanks to the assist from Hassan Sani.

However, Malaysia did not go to the Olympics as it joined the US-led boycott against the Soviet Union for the invasion of Afghanistan.

Wong appeared for the Malaysia national football team in six qualifying matches for various FIFA World Cups.