PETALING JAYA: Kuching City are purring with delight after one of their under-utilised strikers Jerome Mpacko Etame proved his worth with a hattrick as they downed Melaka 3-1 in the Super League on Saturday.
The 30-year-old Cameroonian striker was making only his fourth start of the season, but made it count in emphatic fashion at the Hang Jebat Stadium.
The victory lifted Kuching to second spot with 50 points from 23 matches.
They need just one more win to secure second place ahead of Selangor and also qualify for next season’s Asian Champions League (ACL) Two competition.
And with Etame hitting form, Kuching boast more options up front ahead of their last league fixture against Kuala Lumpur at home on May 17 and also the Malaysia Cup final against Johor Darul Ta’zim on May 23.
An elated Etame, who joined Kuching in January, dedicated his hattrick to his family, the team and the Sarawak fans.
‘’This is a special win for us as Melaka are a difficult team to play against at home, but we pressed well and fought as a team,’’ said Etame.
He also paid tribute to Kuching coach Aidil Sharin and teammate scorer Ronald Ngah, who is Kuching’s top scorer.
“I have a lot of respect for the coach because of the hard work he has done for the team.
“Whenever he needs me, I will give everything for him and the team,’’ said Etame.
“I also have a very good relationship with Ronald Ngah. He gives me a lot of advice about football and life.
“He has great experience and I learn a lot from him.
“He’s like a big brother to me because we come from the same country.”
Looking ahead to Kuching’s clash against KL, Etame stressed the importance of unity within the squad.
“The question is not whether I will start or not.
“The most important thing is that we support each other, fight together like a family and do everything possible to bring back the three points for the people of Sarawak.”
Against Melaka, Etame opened the scoring in the 38th minute after latching onto a clever backheel from Nigerian centreback James Okwuosa following a free-kick by Namibian midfielder Petrus Shitembi.
Melaka drew level shortly after the break in the 47th minute when Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi threaded a pass through to winger Umar Hakeem Suhar Redzuan, who calmly slotted the ball past Kuching goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli.
Etame restored Kuching’s lead in the 70th minute, rising highest to head home a cross from wingback Jimmy Raymond.
The forward then completed a memorable night in the 87th minute by finishing off a through ball from striker Gabriel Nistelrooy to seal his hattrick and all three points for the visitors.
