KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah players presented Datuk Ong Kim Swee with the best farewell gift by beating Putrajaya Athletic 4-0 in the Malaysia Cup round of 16 first-leg match at the Cheras Football Stadium yesterday.
After the final whistle, the players drenched Kim Swee by pouring water on him and did a guard of honour to thank him for his services to the club.
The former national coach announced that he would be leaving the club after his contract ends on Nov 30 and the game against Putrajaya was his last with the team.
The second leg will be held at the Cheras Football Stadium on Nov 27.
Kim Swee was happy with the team’s positive start to the Malaysia Cup campaign and encouraged them to keep their momentum going.
“I will not forget my experience in Sabah. The team, fans and people have been amazing and I will always be a supporter of this club,” said Kim Swee. “There are rumours going around about my future but let’s just wait and see when it happens.”
It is learnt that Kim Swee may return to serve under the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
There are also updates linking him to a move to Indonesia as Liga 1 club Persis Solo have been hunting for a head coach after sacking Milomir Seslija.
Kim Swee had led Sabah to a third spot in the Super League for three consecutive seasons and also brought them to the 2023 AFC Cup.
The rain poured it did not deter the boys from giving their all for Kim Swee.
Indonesian winger Saddil Ramdani scored the first goal in the 12th minute when he finished off a pass from striker Darren Lok.
Six minutes later, the Rhinos got their second when midfielder Danial Haqim Draman capitalised on a loose clearance by unleashing a volley past Putrajaya goalkeeper Nik Amin Ahmad.
The other goals came from substitute wingback Daniel Ting in the 75th minute and own goal by Putrajaya centreback Yusri Yuhasmadi in the 75th minute.
