ity
PETALING JAYA: Kuching City are just three points away from the top four spots, and the players believe they can push forward.
The Borneo side have been defying the odds this Super League season with some top performances and many believe the Il Gattos (The Cats) have what it takes to be among the top four.
Their creative midfielder Petrus Shitembi (pic) is delighted to see his team’s form in the league but he wants his mates to take it one game at a time.
“We are doing fairly well so far and that’s where our focus is, taking it a game at a time and just trying to enjoy the season so far,” said the player fondly known as ‘Dancing Shoes’ by his teammates.
Kuching are fifth in the league with 18 points, just three behind Terengganu, who are fourth with 21 points.
What makes it even more tantalising is the fact that Kuching have played 13 games, while Terengganu have played 14, so there is a chance for Kuching to go equal with the east coast club if they beat Pahang.
They were leading 1-0 against Pahang on Nov 2, but the game had to be postponed due to inclement weather. The Malaysian Football League (MFL) have yet to announce the date for the postponed game.
The 32-year-old Shitembi, a Namibian international, said he is loving his time in Kuching and working under Singaporean coach Aidil Sharin.
“My time has truly been amazing, being back in Borneo again (Shitembi played for Sabah in 2020).
“Working under coach Aidil has been good, he always pushes us to be the best, which is the most important thing and I think the results of the efforts are clearly visible.
“From the time he joined the team until now, the difference is tangible.”
But Shitembi has had to fight for his spot in the team as he has to compete with other creative midfielders like Daniel Amier Norhisham and Brazilian Luis Fernando Welter, but he is relishing it.
“The formula for a regular start is not hidden – hard work, consistency and delivery. I think it’s as simple as that.”
