Have opponents figured out The Cats?

KUCHING: The Cats have shown what they can do, but the question now is whether Kuching City FC have another plan when opponents work them out.

Familiarity can be an advantage in football, but it can also become a weakness when opponents know what to expect.

As The Cats compete in the Malaysian Super League and regional competitions, finding ways to stay unpredictable could prove crucial.

Much of Kuching’s attacking rhythm last season revolved around Namibian international, Petrus Shitembi. His ability to dictate the tempo, carry the ball forward, and link midfield with attack made him a dependable outlet. But reliability has its limits.

While the formula may work in domestic competition, the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup and AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) present different tactical challenges.

Opponents could identify Kuching’s main creative source and look to shut it down. If Shitembi is denied space, who steps up?

That is where head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak’s options become crucial.

Questions have surfaced on social media over whether Safawi Rasid is past his prime. But the real question is whether Aidil can bring out the best in him and help him rediscover his spark.

Aidil has shown an ability to push players to improve and demand more when needed. The Singaporean tactician has done it before.

Aidil (right) must find the right formula.

Safawi does not need to become the player he was years ago. He needs to find a way to make a difference for The Cats now.

Then comes the midfield puzzle.

Last season, Moses Atede, now with Star City FC, provided an important presence in the holding midfield role. His tackling, defensive work and ability to win possession and move the ball forward gave Shitembi the freedom to push higher up the pitch.

It was a balance that worked, with Atede providing cover while Shitembi influenced the game further forward.

New signing, Ryan Lambert has yet to fully replicate that impact this season, leaving Aidil with decisions to make.

Against Tampines Rovers in the Shopee Cup recently, the midfield did not look quite as fluid, particularly in the way The Cats moved the ball through the middle.

If Shitembi is allowed to push forward, Nazmi Faiz Mansor could operate centrally, with Ahmed Sariweh sitting deeper to provide cover.

Alternatively, Yuki Tanigawa could take on the defensive midfield role, with Rodney Celvin and captain James Okwuosa forming the central defensive partnership.

Aidil has options. The challenge is finding the right combination – one that functions as a unit and adapts when opponents disrupt their preferred approach.

Shitembi can remain the engine, but Kuching need more than one route to goal.

They have the players and the options. Now Aidil must make them work together and give opponents something else to think about.

The Cats must stay one step ahead.