KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor are now aiming for even greater success after ending a decade-long trophy drought.
Head coach Katsuhito Kinoshi hailed his team’s triumph in lifting the Challenge Cup on Saturday, where they thrashed Police 4-0 to seal a resounding 7-0 aggregate victory, a feat described as a proud achievement.
The victory also ended Selangor’s 10 year wait for domestic silverware, with their last Malaysian league title coming in 2015 when they lifted the Malaysia Cup.
Kinoshi now hopes his players will carry this momentum into their remaining Super League matches, with their sights set on finishing second behind Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to secure a spot in the AFC Champions League Two next season.
Selangor competed in this year’s AFC Champions League Two, where they were drawn into Group H alongside Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Muangthong United, and Cebu FC.
However, they did not advance past the group stage after finishing third in the standings.
“I am very proud to be part of Selangor’s history, but for us, this is just a stepping stone for the future,” said Kinoshi.
“Today, we can celebrate this victory, but from the day after tomorrow, we must shift our focus to our next target.
“We need to maintain quality training and ensure thorough preparations for the upcoming matches,” he said after the match.
In the final, Selangor’s goals came from Ali Olwan, Ronnie Fernandez, and a brace from Yohandry Orozco.
For Fernandez, the victory was particularly special as he acknowledged that not every foreign player gets the chance to lift a trophy abroad.
The Chilean international has played in several leagues worldwide, including the Saudi Professional League, UAE Pro League, Bolivian Primera Division and Chilean Primera Division.
“I am very happy to be a champion with Selangor. This is a historic moment for the club after waiting 10 years to lift a trophy again.
“As a footballer, getting the chance to play in a final and win silverware is never easy.
“Being a professional footballer in a foreign country is challenging, and winning a title is an achievement that not many players get to experience.
“I take pride in representing my club at a high level and dedicating this success to my family and team,” said Fernandez.
