Skillful: Striker Petrus Shitembi (left) dribbles past a player and proves to be an asset for Kuching. - Photo by Kuching City FC
PETALING JAYA: Petrus Shitembi is beginning to live up to his nickname ‘Dancing Shoes’ for Kuching City after missing the early part of the season due to injury.
Shitembi, who dazzles with his dribbling skills, has now played in 10 league games and has scored two goals for the Borneo side in the Super League. In the Malaysia Cup, Shitembi played three matches.
The 32-year-old Namibian is now the chief playmaker for Kuching in almost every game this season and has been playing a crucial part of coach Aidil Sharin’s tactics.
“I’m pleased so far, especially with the fact that I had a minor knee procedure. I needed time to get back into the swing of things and I feel like I’m in the best shape again to compete,” he said.
“My focus is still the same - to help the team as best as I can.”
Shitembi’s performance was in full flow in their 2-0 Super League win against Police, despite the damp and heavy field at the Selayang Stadium on Saturday.
He drew first blood by scoring an exquisite goal in the 15th minute when he received a pass from striker Ahmad Hazwan Bakri, tripping a defender with a deft flick, before unleashing a beautiful left-footed finish past Police goalkeeper Bryan See.
The other goal was scored by Jordan Mintah in the 88th minute.
With the form he is in, Kuching could achieve a top-five finish in the Super League.
“It would be very good for us to finish in the top five but as a collective unit, we are taking it a game at a time. We’re just trying to get as many positive results as possible.”
But fans will have to wait for another 10 days to see Shitembi donning his dancing shoes when they take on Kedah at the State Stadium in Kuching on Jan 24.
Said Aidil: “The long break in between games can sometimes take a toll on us, especially in terms of momentum and overall match fitness.
“Our technical team and management have done extremely well thus far to ensure that our levels don’t drop, so that we will be ready for the next game,” he added.
