KUCHING: With Kuching City FC now just one win away from securing a continental berth, sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli has described the achievement as potentially historic not only for the club but also for football development in Sarawak.
He said the club’s rise under head coach, Aidil Sharin Sahak, represents a significant milestone, especially given Kuching City’s rapid transformation into one of the Malaysia Super League’s most competitive sides this season.
Pekan noted that reaching the Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2) would elevate the club’s profile, strengthen its commercial prospects and serve as a major boost for the development of football talent in Sarawak.
“If they succeed in qualifying for ACL2, this will be a historic achievement for Kuching City FC and a huge boost for Sarawak football,” he said.
He added that participation at continental level would not only raise the club’s reputation but also create valuable exposure against stronger regional opposition, while inspiring a new generation of young footballers in the state.
Pekan told Sarawak Tribune when contacted that Kuching City’s emergence this season also signals a broader shift in Malaysian football, proving that clubs outside West Malaysia can compete consistently at the highest level when built on the right structure and planning.
He also drew parallels with past footballing eras in Sarawak, saying success at this level could help reignite interest in the sport among youth, similar to the impact seen during the era of state football legend, Awang Mahyan.
Tactically speaking, Pekan also highlighted Kuching City’s defensive organisation and discipline as the foundation of their success this season.
He said the team has been well-structured and compact, making them one of the most difficult sides to break down in the league.
“Kuching City have been built into a very disciplined team with a compact defensive structure that is difficult to penetrate,” he said.
He also pointed out that head coach Aidil’s preference for a five-man defensive system has provided stability and balance, allowing the team to remain competitive even against stronger opposition.
Despite not relying heavily on individual stars, Kuching City have maintained an effective collective attacking approach, further strengthening their consistency throughout the campaign.
The club’s defensive record underlines their progress, having conceded only 14 goals in 23 league matches this season.
Kuching City now head into a decisive final league fixture against Kuala Lumpur City FC this Sunday (May 17), knowing that victory could secure a place on the continental stage and cap off a landmark season for the club.
