KUCHING: Kuching City head coach, Aidil Sharin Sahak, is rallying his team to step up their game as they gear up for the highly anticipated Borneo Derby against Sabah.
The upcoming match carries extra weight as both teams are currently in formidable form. However, Sabah will be taking to the field without their former head coach, Datuk Ong Kim Swee, who has recently transitioned to lead Indonesian side Persis Solo.
Since assuming the helm over a year ago, Aidil has steered Kuching City through remarkable growth. With his strategic prowess, the City Boys are primed to challenge their Borneo counterparts.
Despite Ong Kim Swee’s absence, Aidil is quick to caution against underestimating Sabah. In a recent interview with the Sarawak Tribune, he emphasized, “Definitely, the game will be different without Ong Kim Swee, but Sabah is still Sabah, and we have to respect them.”
This impending clash marks the kickoff of a trilogy of encounters between the two sides in the weeks ahead. Alongside this crucial Malaysia Super League fixture, Kuching City will lock horns with Sabah in the two legs of the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals, with the return leg scheduled at Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu.
“We recognize Sabah’s strength. Despite our defeat in their territory earlier this season, we put up a strong performance until conceding that penalty,” Aidil remarked. “The players are geared up to deliver their best not only for the fans but also for their loved ones. Our subsequent match is another home fixture, and our aim is to leave it all on the pitch.”
Currently positioned fifth in the league standings with 18 points and a game in hand, Kuching City is eager to ascend further. Meanwhile, Sabah sits third with 26 points. Despite the shift in leadership, Sabah’s competitive edge remains undiminished.
The much-anticipated Borneo Derby is primed to take centre stage tomorrow evening at the Sarawak State Stadium. Aidil, however, remains steadfast on the controllables within his team.
“We must display more aggression. Sabah presents a more physical challenge compared to Penang, and that’s where we must elevate our performance,” he emphasised.
The Borneo Derby has always been a spectacle, characterized by passion and intensity from both sides. With victory looming and both teams thirsting for success, tomorrow’s showdown is poised to script another indelible chapter in this fierce rivalry.
The clash at the Sarawak State Stadium is anticipated to draw out the best from both teams as they vie not just for league points but also for regional honour.
