PETALING JAYA: Kuching City’s pre-season tour across Sarawak has sparked excitement among local football fans and at the heart of it all is one man who has quickly become a household name – Joao Pedro.
With his trademark smile, explosive speed, and unrelenting tenacity, the Timor Leste international and team captain has won over hearts wherever he goes.
From Betong, Mukah, Bintulu, Sibu and with their final stop in Miri over the last week, the 27-year-old winger has been nothing short of electrifying, dazzling fans and leaving defenders chasing shadows.
Pedro’s impact has been so profound that Kuching City’s social media channels have been flooded with praise.
Supporters have affectionately dubbed him a ‘pace machine’.
Even Pedro is thoroughly enjoying himself.
“Coach Aidil (Sharin) hasn’t given me a fixed position in attack, he just wants me to enjoy my football,” said Pedro, smiling as always.
“That freedom has helped me find my rhythm, and I just want to keep building on that momentum.”
Pedro was at the centre of a mini transfer tug-of-war, with Kuala Lumpur initially on the brink of signing him, only for Kuching to swoop in and land the prized winger.
That moment now looks like a masterstroke, as fans are already chanting his name in the stands and sharing photos of his blistering runs online.
Standing at 1.70m, Pedro brings more than just flair. He has featured 24 times for Timor Leste, scoring eight goals, and came to Kuching City after a successful stint with Cambodian Premier League outfit Angkor Tiger, where he notched seven goals and six assists in 26 matches.
His journey through South-East Asian football with spells in Indonesia, Cambodia, and his native Timor Leste has shaped him into a seasoned attacker.
Now, he’s determined to make his mark in Malaysian football, with the full support of his new club and an ever-growing legion of fans.
“I want to give everything I have to Kuching. Our goal is to finish in the top five this season, and I’ll do my best to contribute,” said Pedro.
“But more importantly, I want to repay the love the fans have shown me. Life in Kuching has been amazing, and this tour has opened my eyes to the warmth and unity of Sarawakians.”
Asked about the transfer drama that almost took him to Kuala Lumpur, Pedro revealed it was Aidil who tipped the scales.
“I had a great conversation with coach Aidil before signing. He shared his vision and the club’s ambitions, and it just felt right. That’s why I chose Kuching and I’m so glad I did.”
From the sounds of it and the cheers in every district, the people of Sarawak are just as glad. Pedro isn’t just a new signing. He’s already one of their own.
