CAMBODIA: Gabriel Nistelrooy is ready to savour a landmark moment as Kuching City FC prepare to step onto the continental stage for the first time in their AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) campaign.
The centre-forward player said there was genuine excitement and pride within the squad as Kuching City prepared to face Phnom Penh Crown in their opening Group H encounter at Morodok Techo National Stadium tonight (Sept 17).
“First of all, we are very excited because this is the first time this club has played in the ACL. We are proud of the players,” he said during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday (Sept 16).
Gabriel acknowledged that Phnom Penh Crown have quality throughout their squad, with several key players demanding close attention from Kuching City FC.
But rather than getting dragged into a battle of individual match-ups, Gabriel believes Kuching City’s strength will come from keeping their shape, discipline and collective focus.
“We know Phnom Penh has a good team and has good players. And we know the key player is No. 14 maybe.
“But we think our team just has to stay on our plan and discipline, and give 100 per cent when we play against Phnom Penh”, he added.
The occasion itself carries plenty of weight for Kuching City, who are making their first appearance in the ACL2 and will face Gangwon FC of South Korea and Kitchee SC of Hong Kong in the Group H campaign.
For Gabriel, however, the message remains simple: embrace the occasion, stick to the plan and give everything on the pitch.
“Tomorrow, we will give our best and a good game,” he said.
