KUCHING: Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak has given his players full freedom to celebrate their Malaysia Cup final qualification, but made it clear the focus must return once the celebrations end.
The Cats’ historic achievement came in front of a packed 19,000-strong crowd at Stadium Negeri, Petra Jaya, where Petrus Shitembi’s stunning 31st-minute strike proved decisive in sealing their place in the final.
Speaking in a post-match press confernece after the landmark victory, Aidil said the moment was one to be enjoyed, stressing that such achievements do not come often in football.
He admitted he had no issue with his players letting loose after the milestone win, even joking that celebrations could stretch into the early hours, but insisted discipline would return once training resumes.
“Let them have fun. It’s not always you get these great moments and achievements. Today, I want the boys to celebrate and enjoy themselves.
“They want to enjoy until late hours, go for it. But when we come back for training, everything has to be reset and focused. We still haven’t got the job done yet,”he said.
Aidil added that while the Malaysia Cup final berth was a significant achievement, Kuching City still have league objectives to pursue, including finishing the season strongly.
“We still have the league to go for, and this is where we are serious. I think the boys understand that,” he said.
The head coach stressed that professionalism would remain key once celebrations end, with preparations immediately shifting back to competitive focus as the season continues.
The Cats, currently second with 43 points in the league standing, will play a league match away to Brunei DPMM next Saturday (April 25), before hosting Terengganu at home on Friday (May 1).
