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Chong taking the JPL by storm
July 16, 2021
Three games into the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season, 20-year-old Harbour View forward Oquassa Chong has taken the league by storm, netting three goals and providing one assist in three starts. His performance and contribution in his last game against Mount Pleasant, in round three, was his best of the lot. He scored a goal and provided the assist for Lennox Russell to score the other in a 2-0 win.
Chong is being likened to Harbour View legend Jermaine Hue in some quarters because of his free-kicking ability and the fact that they both hail from St Thomas and are both of mixed Chinese descent. Chong said he rates Hue highly and not only wants to emulate his achievement but surpass him.
He revealed that Hue, who is very close to his father, introduced him to Harbour View after seeing him play in a primary school league game Now Chong hopes to reach the same level or even higher than the midfield maestro.
"We are (like) family. My father and Jermaine Hue's father are close, you can call them family. They grew up together and Jermaine Hue is like a bigger brother to me. He motivates me a lot just like Alvas Powell," he said.
"Jermaine Hue was the one who introduced me to Harbour View. He saw me playing in the Primary League for Prospect Primary and he carried me to Harbour View when I was eight years old. I have never seen him (Hue) play in person. But I watched his videos and I think he is an an excellent player," he said.
Chong who made his name as a midfielder for Jamaica College, has been pushed further forward by coach Ludlow Bernard in the Harbour View set-up and so far it has shown dividends.
In his first game his rasping free kick earned Harbour View a point against Waterhouse. The following week his strike gave them another point against Cavalier. So it was fitting that Harbour View's first win of the season came courtesy of his good work.
His opportunistic strike in the 20th minute put Harbour View ahead and his brilliant cross field ball to Russell on 58 minutes created the other goal.
Although this is the player's first time playing up front, he is enjoying the role and has targeted 10 goals for the season.
"You would have to ask the coach why he decided to put me up front. I just go out and do what the coach asks," he said.
