On target: Petrus Shitembi scored the first goal while Jordan Mintah (below) celebrates after netting the second in the 2-0 win over Police. — Photo by Kuching City FC
PETALING JAYA: Poor scheduling is a cause for concern for Kuching City.
On Saturday, Kuching City returned from a 20-day break in style to gun down Police 2-0 in the Super League at the Selayang Stadium.
And now, they have to wait for another 11 days before they take on Kedah at the State Stadium in Kuching,
Coach Aidil Sharin said long intervals between games could disrupt their momentum but he will devise plans to keep his boys on their toes for the next game.
“We have to do something to keep the boys on their feet because our next game against Kedah will not be an easy one,” said the Singaporean, who was once Kedah’s coach from 2019 to 2022.
“I will be honest, the break could disrupt our momentum because we are a team based in East Malaysia. Sabah and our team always find it tough to get quality friendlies because of our location.
“But we have planned something for our boys. We will have a team bonding session to keep the mood going and we will have internal friendlies against our Under-23 side, who are capable of giving us a good fight.
“The game with Under-23 will give us a platform to scout for young talents too.”
In the game against Police, Namibian midfielder Petrus Shitembi drew first blood by scoring in the 15th minute, and it took a long interval before striker Jordan Mintah of Ghana found the net in the 88th minute.
Kuching move to fifth in the standings with 21 points from 15 matches while Police dropped one rung to sixth, with 21 points from 17 games.
Aidil praised striker Ahmad Hazwan Bakri, who assisted Shitembi’s goal.
“Hazwan has just returned from a long layoff but he blended well with everyone. We hope to see more from him as he can play as a second striker or midfielder.
“Usually Daniel (Amier Norhisham) will start but Hazwan has shown that he was hungrier and this is a good step for him.
“I’m happy there is balance in the squad because everyone is pushing each other for a starting eleven spot.”
Meanwhile, Police coach P. Maniam took responsibility for the defeat.
“I’ve to prepare these boys to another level. It is about commitment and hard work. Kuching were the better side. Our second half was a disappointment because we did not create chances,” said Maniam.
Police will entertain Kedah in the Challenge Cup semi-final first leg at the Selayang Stadium on Jan 18.
