KUCHING: Former Sarawak FA coach, Abdul Jalil Ramli, has urged Kuching City FC to seize their Malaysia Cup final opportunity with courage, belief and positivity when they face Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
The veteran tactician stressed that mentality and discipline, especially in the opening 10 to 15 minutes, could prove decisive in a final where momentum can shift quickly.
“It’s not going to be easy facing JDT, but the key is to think positive, not negative. No mistakes, no penalties. After that, we see how it goes,” he said.
Jalil warned that hesitation and negative thinking could prove costly against a side as dominant as JDT.
“The strength is there. In the final, when you go onto the field, the attitude and mindset have to be right. Go with one intention — you can win the game,” he told Sarawak Tribune recently.
While acknowledging JDT’s strength and consistency, Jalil said finals remain unpredictable if approached with courage and discipline.
“On paper, JDT are strong; everything goes to them. But personally, if you go in with the right attitude, you can still challenge them,” he said.
He added that Kuching City must embrace the occasion fully instead of approaching it with fear.
“Now that they are in the final, they have to make full use of it. Once you’re there, grab it. I believe they can, based on what I see in the game plan and strategy. I can see they are on the right track to create history,” he said.
Reflecting on Sarawak’s run to the 1999 Malaysia Cup final, Jalil said the journey was built on long-term planning, sacrifice and collective commitment.
“Reaching the final was something we had to seize after a long process. We really wanted to win in 1999, but it didn’t turn out well. Still, it was a beautiful experience,” he said.
Despite finishing runners-up, Jalil described the campaign as a proud moment for Sarawak football and its supporters.
“If they win, I believe they can. Watching them gives me happiness as a Sarawakian, even if it’s not Sarawak FA. The feeling is still there,” he added.
