PETALING JAYA: Kuching City may enter the Malaysia Cup final as clear underdogs against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), but defender Rodney Akwensivie insists the Cats will bare their claws and battle all the way at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Saturday.
Facing a JDT side packed with internationals and serial winners, Rodney admitted Kuching are aware of the challenge ahead – but stressed they are determined to make the final anything but predictable.
“JDT are on another level and we are the underdogs, but we want to compete and give them a tough fight,” said the 29-year-old centreback.
“We do not want it to be a normal final. We want to put on a show for the fans.”
Kuching’s remarkable run to their first-ever Malaysia Cup final has already captured the imagination of football fans in Sarawak, with Rodney hoping it can inspire more youngsters in the state to chase the dream of becoming professional footballers.
“It is history for the club,” he said.
“People now know the Kuching team and know that we can compete at the highest level. This opens the eyes of the younger generation in Sarawak that there are opportunities in football.”
Rodney believes the club’s rise has strengthened the connection between the players and supporters, and he wants the team to reward the fans with a spirited display in the final.
“We do not want to disappoint the fans back home,” he said.
“Being happy just to reach the final is not enough because we do not want to waste their time and money by not putting in effort.
“On the field, we want to make sure they leave satisfied.”
The defender also acknowledged the huge task awaiting Kuching against JDT’s star-studded attack led by Brazilian forwards Bergson Da Silva and Jairo Da Silva.
“We have to be careful with every move they make,” he said.
“In every aspect, they are talented and capable of producing something special. As defenders, we have to stay fully alert throughout the match.”
