No time to rest, Kuching City continues to shift focus to ACL2

MELAKA, September 13: Kuching City FC did not have much time to rest after recording a crucial victory over Melaka, when the team had to immediately shift its focus to tasks on the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) stage.

Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak said the players will be given a full recovery period before the team continues on to Cambodia for ACL action.

"We have a game in Cambodia in the ACL, so there's no time to rest. But of course, I will give them full recovery starting on Sunday to ensure they get treatment and order well", Aidil said after the Super League game at Hang Jebat Stadium on Saturday.

According to Aidil, the move is important to keep players physically and mentally fresh before facing their next assignment.

He acknowledged the challenge of managing player recovery was not easy, especially with limited facilities when teams were acting on opposing ground.

"We're not a big team and we don't have a big facility. We stayed in hotels and facilities such as swimming pools and hot tubs were also limited, so we had to take care of everything we had".

However, Aidil praised the professional attitude of the players who are always concerned about their fitness level.

"These players are professionals. They know their bodies well. When they need the order, they will call a masseuse to come and get treatment".

Kuching City had earlier recorded a 2-1 victory over Melaka on home soil despite being forced to play with 10 players after Yuki Tanigawa was dealt a red card.

The Sarawak singles representative is scheduled to face the fourth-best placed team in the Cambodian league, Phnom Penh Crown FC on 17 September for Group H action.