Sarawak Premier watches as Kuching City FC climbs to 2nd spot

KUCHING (Feb 2): Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Shahrin expressed the hope that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will be encouraged by the team’s strong performances this season following his presence at their latest league match.

Abang Johari caught the action as Kuching City secured a 2-0 victory over Negri Sembilan FC in the Malaysia Super League match at the Stadium Negeri on Friday night.

“It is a great honour to see the Premier come and support Kuching City. I heard that he has not been here for more than 10 years … We didn’t know he was coming because we were fully focused on the game.

“But since he came to support the club, I think this is a good sign, not only for Kuching City but for the whole of Sarawak. Hopefully he is happy with our performance and will pump more money into the club,” he told reporters after the match.

Goals from Gabriel Nistelrooy in the 10th minute and Ronald Ngah Wanja in the 66th minute lifted the Cats to 31 points from 15 matches for second place in the league standings with superior goal difference over Selangor FC.

The coach highlighted the discipline and commitment of his players in executing the game plan.

“I want to give credit to the players, as well as our fans and families who came to support us. We know Negeri Sembilan is a good team. So we tried to shut down their key players, and I think the boys did very well,” he said.

He explained the decision to use three defenders and was pleased with individual performances such as that of Ahmed Israiwah making his debut.

“We played with three at the back because we wanted to win and attack more. We created many chances, and that is the positive part, but we still need to improve our finishing.

On injuries, Aidil said midfielder Danial Amier could be sidelined for up to two months due to an ankle injury.

Aidil also raised concerns over the condition of the pitch.

“The pitch is quite hard and not in the best condition. Some players felt discomfort including Gabriel and Ronald. Hopefully it will improve,” he said.

Kuching City will next face DPMM FC in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals on Feb 7 before returning to league action against Selangor FC later this month.