Shopee Cup: Tampines Rovers coach admits Kuching City is not an easy opponent

KUCHING, 6 Oct: Tampines Rovers FC head coach Nazri Nasir admitted Kuching City FC is not an easy opponent ahead of the two teams' meeting in the 2026/27 Shopee Cup competition at Taha Ariffin Stadium tomorrow.

According to Nazri, Kuching City has shown good and consistent performance over the past three to four seasons, besides having a lineup of local players as well as quality imports.

"Of course, we know Kuching is not an easy team to resist. I think they're doing very well, especially in the Malaysia Super League", he told a press conference ahead of the first game of the Shopee Cup, at Taha Ariffin Stadium, today.

Nazri said the side had made thorough preparations by examining Kuching City's game patterns to ensure Tampines Rovers were able to deliver their best performance in the match.

He also expects Kuching City to be highly motivated to get positive results after losing in the previous ACL 2 action, especially when playing on home soil.

"I think they're very thirsty for decisions. More than anything, they play on their own. They want a decision", he said.

Meanwhile, Nazri is also looking forward to meeting with Kuching City Head Coach Aidil Sharin Sahak who he described as having extensive experience in the region's football competition.

"The Singaporeans are good and he's been in this league for quite some time, especially in the Super League for about four or five seasons.

"I think he has a lot of experience at that level. So, I think it's good to see him back", she said again.

Tampines Rovers, however, came with confidence after three to four days of preparation, with Nazri describing his players as being at their best and ready for Kuching City's challenge.

Kuching City FC is scheduled to open the curtain for the 2026/27 Shopee Cup campaign against Tampines Rovers FC on October 7 at Taha Ariffin Stadium, Kuching, at 9.00 pm.