PETALING JAYA: The Kuching City players are struggling to stay alert following their extended period away from home in the Super League.
The Cats have not been impressive in the first of their four consecutive league matches away from the capital of Sarawak after settling with a 1-1 draw against Penang at the City Stadium in Georgetown on Sunday.
Kuching took the lead through their Ghanaian striker Jordan Mintah in the 74th minute, but the home side fought back through striker Alif Ikmalrizal Anuar in the 85th minute.
After this, the Borneo club will take on Terengganu at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak (Feb 21), Kelantan at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Baru (Feb 26) and Pahang at the Temerloh Stadium (March 2).
Head coach Aidil Sharin said they were bracing for the demanding run of four consecutive away games.
“It’s not easy to be away for many days from the comfort of home and the fixtures are not easy,” said the Singaporean.
“But we are professionals and this is part and parcel of our life. We will head to Gong Badak next to face Terengganu and it will be a tough away game as they are now ranked top four in the league.
“Our objective in Terengganu is to collect points and we will do just that.”
As for the game against Penang, Aidil said they would have to convert their chances better if they wanted to do well in the league.
“We dominate and create lots of chances in every game but our conversion has to be improved. I am not just pinpointing the attackers, but the team as a whole.
“The goal is to improve our finishing. Commitment-wise, the boys are giving their maximum.
Kuching are currently sixth in the league with 23 points from 17 matches, while Penang are ninth with 20 points from 20 matches.
Meanwhile, Penang coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail said his players showed true character throughout the match.
“We knew Kuching City were not an ordinary team, but I’m satisfied with my players for their show of determination,” he said.
Penang’s next game is against league leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the City Stadium in Georgetown on March 16.
