SELANGOR: Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak is under no illusion about the challenge awaiting his side when they take on reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in tomorrow’s Charity Shield.
Aidil acknowledged JDT’s quality, pointing to their recent 3-3 draw against English Premier League giants Chelsea in a friendly as evidence of the strength Kuching City will face at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim.
“Although this is the first game of the season, we know JDT are a very strong team. They played Chelsea in a friendly and held them to a draw, while also bringing in quality new players,” he said.
JDT drew 3-3 with Chelsea in their international friendly at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim on Aug 9, before turning their attention to the new domestic campaign.
The Charity Shield, which also serves as the opening fixture of the 2026/2027 Malaysia Super League season, will see Kuching City face the side they finished behind in both the league and Malaysia Cup last season.
JDT secured the double last season, while Kuching City finished runners-up in both competitions to earn their place in the Charity Shield.
Kuching City chairman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, meanwhile, admitted that securing a result at the home of the Malaysian champions would be a difficult task, but said the team would give everything to come away with points.
“Of course, we will try to steal points because the Charity Shield is already counted as points. We know it will not be easy at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim, but we will do our best.
“Even if we can get one point, we will be grateful. If we win, then it will be a bonus,” he told Sarawak Tribune recently.
With the Charity Shield points counting towards the league standings, Kuching City have every incentive to push JDT as they look to start their campaign on a positive note.
The match is scheduled for Friday (Aug 21) at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim.
