PETALING JAYA: Kuching City’s FA Cup hopes are hanging in the balance and in moments like these, all eyes turn to their midfield dynamo Petrus Shitembi.
The Namibian playmaker has seen enough in his career to know that one match can define a season. And today, he will lead the Cats into their decisive second-leg clash against Brunei at the State Stadium, trailing 2-3 from the first leg. For Shitembi, the mission is clear – overturn the deficit, harness the energy of the home crowd, and take Kuching into the quarter-finals, a stage they narrowly missed last year.
“We’ll be highly motivated playing at home and we’re determined to reach the quarter-finals. If we get an early goal, it will brighten our chances of overcoming the deficit,” said the 33-year-old, who has been Kuching’s steady presence in midfield since joining the club in 2023.
Shitembi believes Kuching’s youthful squad are ready for the big challenge.
“The players may be young but they’re motivated, mentally astute, and they know their targets. That is very healthy for the team.”
Shitembi also stood by striker Gabriel Nistelrooy, who missed a penalty in the first leg.
“Gabriel scores goals, that’s what he does well. Of course, in football, you miss some and you score some. I have no doubt he will bounce back because he has the quality and the confidence to respond.”
