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DIRED from the 'Ngap Sayot' stadium which once shook the stadium to the identity of 'Bujang Senang' who became a symbol of Sarawak team strength, now emerges another expression that is gaining place among football fans in this state: 'Sarawak Pride'.
The term is not just a new slogan, but has evolved into a phenomenon that reflects the pride of Sarawak people towards football teams that bring the state's name to the stage.
Kuching City FC's rise in recent seasons is seen as one of the main drivers of the wave.
Despite using the Kuching City name, the club is increasingly seen as a representative of Sarawak's football aspirations especially when performing on the domestic stage in addition to being given opportunities to test their ability in ASEAN and Asian level competitions.
For a generation that grew up in Sarawak's era of football fame, the name Ngap Sayot has its own sentimental value.
It's not just a title or an endorsement race, but a symbol of courage, resilience and identity for Sarawak football.
Later, the term Bujang Senang was quite synonymous with Sarawak's team and became part of an identity that is remembered to this day.
The two terms have one thing in common, and it managed to evoke a sense of belonging among supporters.
Now, Sarawak Pride is seen to continue that legacy in a more modern form.
It emerged as Sarawak football was going through a new phase, with Kuching City FC seeking to build a reputation as one of the clubs capable of competing not only domestically but also internationally.
From nostalgia to a new identity
The phenomenon of Sarawak Pride is also not limited to outcomes on the field.
It can be seen through the reception of supporters, use of colours and symbols of Sarawak, team jerseys as well as content on social media which increasingly uses the expression.
In fact, Kuching City FC also highlighted the nostalgia element of Ngap Sayot with its 2026/2027 season jersey especially the red and black jerseys inspired by Sarawak's legendary team.
The move is seen as significant enough because it connects history with the future.
The old supporters were able to reclaim the glory days of Ngap Sayot, while the new generation had their own identity to be proud of through Kuching City FC.
In that context, Sarawak Pride is not a replacement for Ngap Sayot or Bujang Senang.
On the contrary, it can be seen as a continuation of the same spirit in the modern football era.
Kuching City as a new face
Kuching City FC now faces greater responsibilities as a tight competition schedule demands the club have a more competitive and deep-lying squad.
Opportunities to play on the ASEAN and Asian stages also give a new dimension to clubs that were previously better known in domestic competition.
Every match outside Sarawak now carries a greater significance because it is not just about three points or match results.
It was also an opportunity to introduce Kuching and Sarawak's name to football fans abroad.
The situation indirectly made the supporters part of the club's journey.
The races in the stadium, Sarawak's flag, team jerseys and social media support are all manifestations of a growing sentiment that is pride in being Sarawak citizens and pride in seeing representatives of Sarawak competing on higher stages.
A phenomenon that has been passed down from generation to generation
Interestingly, Sarawak Pride is seen to bridge the gap between generations of supporters.
For veterans, it reminds them of a time when the Saw Hook was a nickname.
For the middle generation, Bujang Senang was among the identities that shaped their experience as Sarawak football fans.
While the younger generation now have Kuching City FC as a team they can make a symbol of pride.
The three names Ngap Sayot, Bujang Senang and Sarawak Pride were born in different eras but have the same soul.
The excitement of watching Sarawak football continue to be respected.
More than just a marketing term, Sarawak Pride has the potential to be a football identity that can survive if supported by achievements, local player development and ongoing support from fans.
It's not just a slogan
The biggest challenge after the phenomenon started was to ensure that Sarawak Pride did not stop as a slogan.
That identity needs to be translated through on-field performance, the development of young talent, strong club management and consistent supportive support.
Kuching City also has the opportunity to use current momentum as a foundation for the formation of new football culture in Sarawak.
If successful, the term Sarawak Pride may one day be remembered as Ngap Sayot and Bujang Senang were remembered by previous generations.
The difference is, this time the pride isn't just about one team or era.
It brings with it a greater aspiration to see Sarawak have representatives capable of standing at the same height as the best clubs in Malaysia, ASEAN and Asia.
From Ngap Sayot who once aroused the spirit, to Bujang Senang who became a symbol of strength and now Sarawak Pride who brings new identity, this state football journey continues to evolve over time.
But one thing has never changed, football remains among the strongest languages to unite Sarawak.
And if the Sarawak Pride wave continues to grow, there's no way it will be another major chapter in the history of state football.
English (US) ·