PETALING JAYA: For a football club with one of the smallest budgets in the Super League, Kuching City are making a bigger-than-expected impact in the Super League.
The Cats have clawed their way to fourth spot in the table after their 1-0 win over Kelantan in Kuching on Monday, thanks to a superb header from Ghanaian striker Jordan Mintah in the 37th minute.
Kuching’s progress has been a significant improvement from last season, where they finished 13th out of 14 teams and recorded only two wins from 26 matches.
But after nine matches this season, they have won three, drawn five and lost one.
Coach Aidil Sharin has much to be optimistic about but he is also cautious not to overpraise his players.
“It’s good to be in the top five but the season is still early and there’s a long way to go. We need to be more consistent if we are to do better,” he said.
“We are a new side who’ve been together for just a few months, with only Alif (Hassan) and Jimmy (Raymond) the old faces.”
Aidil said the win over Kelantan was a hard-earned one, with the heavy downpour in Kuching making it more complicated.
“It was hard work for the boys as they had to perform on a soggy pitch but they showed commitment and discipline to get the win.
“In fact, we could have scored three to four goals if not for their excellent goalkeeper (Khatul Anuar Jalil).
“But it’s three valuable points for us and I’m also glad we kept a clean sheet.”
Kuching will take on Selangor next at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Sept 13, and Aidil sees that match as a good test for his players.
“We’ll be facing a top side with many quality players in an away match. It’ll be a test of our true abilities and I hope the players can rise to the occasion.
“We will have our Nigerian centreback James (Okwuosa) and wingback Filemon (Anyie Standly) back for the game, which will help tremendously.”
