No let-up: Kuching City’s Ronald Ngah (left) in action during the FA Cup match against Brunei. — Kuching City FC
PETALING JAYA: On the weekend of his 34th birthday, Ronald Ngah gave Kuching City fans the perfect gift – a hattrick.
The Cameroonian striker, who turned 34 on Saturday, rolled back the years in the FA Cup round of 16 against Brunei at the State Stadium on Sunday, reminding everyone why he remains Malaysian football’s most effective target man.
Kuching eventually ran out 7-1 winners on the night, 9-4 on aggregate, but it was Ngah’s physical presence, movement, and finishing that defined the tie.
“Most importantly we’ve got to give credit to God – with Him all things are possible,” he said.
“And also to the coach and his staff for believing in us.
“Without my teammates, I wouldn’t have scored, and I’m glad we could bring joy to the fans and our loved ones.”
His performance was a masterclass in the target-man role – bullying defenders, linking with Ahmad Danial Ahmad Asri and Ramadhan Saifullah, and striking decisively when given half a chance.
Much of Ngah’s resurgence this season has come under coach Aidil Sharin, whose faith in the striker has unleashed his best qualities.
“The coach is behind my form,” Ngah admitted.
“He believes in me and knows my strengths. He focuses on the positives rather than the negatives, and that’s the catalyst behind my goals.”
That freedom has paid off in goals and victories. With Ngah leading the line, Kuching have looked sharper and more clinical, feeding off his ability to occupy defenders and create space for others.
As the FA Cup quarter-finals loom, Ngah remains grounded.
His focus now shifts to the Super League clash with Selangor on Sept 21 at the same venue.
“It will be a match like any other. We’ll respect our opponents, but once we step on that pitch, we’ll fight for every ball because the three points are all that matter.”
Ngah now has six goals in five domestic matches, proving his credentials as a top striker.
